‘The Wiz’ Reimagined: Here’s Who We Think Should Be Cast For The Broadway Return
The Wiz is returning to Broadway in 2024 with a refreshed revival that will be directed by Schele Williams featuring additional material by Amber Ruffin.
According to Playbill, the production will kick off a national tour in the fall of 2023 in Baltimore, where the beloved musical originally premiered in 1974. It will then move to play in several cities across the U.S. before its official Broadway return in spring 2024.
The Wiz premiered on Broadway in 1975, won seven Tony Awards, and ran for four years. In 1978, a film adaptation of The Wiz starred Diana Ross (Dorthy), Michael Jackson (The Scarecrow), Nipsey Russell (The Tin Man), Lena Horne (Glinda), Mabel King (The Wicked Witch of the West), and Richard Pryor (The Wizard).
With the news now buzzing, the official cast for The Wiz’s Broadway return has yet to be announced BUT BET.com is clicking their red slippers a few times with our own selection of entertainers that we think would be perfect if we could reimagine the cast!
See below:
Keke Palmer - Dorthy
Not new to the Broadway scene, Palmer made history as the youngest Black Cinderella when she was just 21 back in 2014. The actress’ singing and acting talents and her infectious charisma would make her an ideal candidate as the Dorthy Gale.
Usher - Tin Man
There isn’t anything award-winning singer Usher can’t do! And when it comes to singing and dancing with his highly praised stage presence, it is absolutely the recipe for success when it comes to being cast as the Tin Man. Can you imagine "If I Could Feel” and "Slide Some Oil to Me" but with an Usher spin?
Luke James - Cowardly Lion
James made a name for himself on Broadway when he was cast as Passion in Thoughts of a Colored Man in 2021. Acting in television shows and films from The New Edition Story, The Bobby Brown Story, Black Nativity, Star, Genius: Aretha Franklin and more, it’s clear that the entertainer can transform into any character that comes his way.
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Chris Brown- Scarecrow
Brown has shown off his acting skills in a few big-picture films and with the incredible art of his singing and breathtaking dancing/choreography skills many fans have compared him to the late “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson. Embodying the role of the Scarecrow should come with ease!
Lizzo - Glinda
With a commanding presence and a natural charm, Lizzo can easily be Glinda from her youthful charm and hilarious wit, what more can we ask for?
Danielle Brooks - The Wicked Witch of The West
The gifted Brooks has graced the Broadway stage in The Color Purple (2015) and The Piano Lesson (2022) as a master of her craft, she also starred in the Lifetime biopic Robin Roberts Presents: Mahalia to portray the story of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, need we say more?
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Jamie Foxx - The Wizard
Foxx is the definition of a triple threat as a comedian, actor and singer, it goes without saying the level of brilliance he brings into any projects that are tied to his name. This is a perfect match!
