At center is Dorothy, wearing a white dress, silver shoes and mirrored sunglasses. She is surrounded by the residents of Emerald City, all dressed in shades of green and also wearing mirrored sunglasses. Everyone looks surprised.
Cast of the Ford’s Theatre production of The Wiz. Photo by Carol Rosegg.

The Wiz

Journey through Oz in This Tony-Winning Musical

date September 9, 2018 — May 12, 2018
~2 hours and 30 minutes including one intermission
Recommended for ages 8 and older.

Ease on down the road with Dorothy and her friends Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion on their quest to meet The Wiz. In this adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s magical novel, Dorothy is whisked away by a tornado to the fanciful land of Oz. There, she and her sidekicks encounter Munchkins, flying monkeys and a power-hungry witch named Evillene who vows to destroy them. Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score, “The Wiz” is a musical feast featuring soul, gospel, R&B and pop. Rediscover the power of courage, heart, brains and friendship.


Artistic Team

Book by William F. Brown
Music and Lyrics Charlie Smalls
From the story “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum
Director Kent Gash
Choreographer Dell Howlett
Music Director and Orchestrator Darius Smith
Scenic Design Jason Sherwood
Costume Design Kara Harmon
Lighting Design Rui Rita
Sound Design David Budries
Projection Design Clint Allen
Hair & Make-Up Designers Dave Bova and J. Jared Janas
Dialects and Voice Director Zach Campion
Production Stage Manager Craig A. Horness
Assistant Stage Manager Taryn Friend
Casting Patrick Pearson

Cast

Headshot for actor Hasani Allen

Hasani Allen

Scarecrow

Headshot for DeMoya Brown.

DeMoya Watson Brown

Tornado

Headshot for Kevin McAllister.

Kevin S. McAllister

Tinman

Headshot for Monique Midgette.

Monique Midgette

Aunt Em/Addaperle/Evillene

Headshot for Ines Nassara.

Ines Nassara

Dorothy

Headshot for Jobari Parker-Namder.

Jobari Parker-Namdar

The Wiz

Christopher Michael Richardson

Lion

Headshot for actress Awa Sal Secka.

Awa Sal Secka

Glinda

Headshot for Daryl Spiers

Daryl A. Spiers

Lead Winged Monkey

Melissa Victor

Soldier Messenger/Ensemble

Headshot for Jaysen Wright.

Jaysen Wright

Uncle Henry/Gatekeeper/Lord High Underling

Headshot for Ashley Buster.

Ashley D. Buster

Ensemble

Headshot for actress Jade Jones.

Jade Jones

Ensemble

Solomon Parker

Ensemble

Headshot for Tobias Young.

Tobias Young

Ensemble

Headshot for Jocelyn Isaac.

Jocelyn E. Isaac

Swing/Dance Captain

Headshot for Phil Young.

Phil Young

Swing

Charlie

Toto

Rusty

Toto

Musicians

Conductor/Keyboard I Darius Smith
Keyboard II Victor Simonson
Reeds Ben Bokor
Trumpet/Flugelhorn Kieron Irvine
Trombone Greg Boyer
Electric Bass/Tuba Yusef Chisholm
Guitar/Banjo Gerry Kunkel
Drums/Percussion Danny Villanueva

Trailer

“Y’all Got It”

From the Gallery

"Opulent! Delectable! I confess I grinned a lot. It’s hard not to surrender as soon as you get an eyeful of Hasani Allen as the Scarecrow, flopping and hopping with buoyant rhythm."
– The Washington Post
"A production that will make everybody rejoice! As infectious as ever! Ines Nassara knows how to belt a number, especially the final ‘Home.’ Hasani Allen, who plays Scarecrow, is a brilliant dancer. His clear tenor voice is a nice fit for the song ‘I Was Born on the Day Before Yesterday.’"
– Theatermania
"A smash! 'The Wiz' will leave you enthralled, amazed and bedazzled. The show is a cornucopia of colors, dancing, singing, sizzle, rhythm and blues, jazz, funk and a touch of disco."
– DC Metro Theatre Arts
"Worth its weight in gold! Delightful, dizzying dance scenes! Ines Nassara can belt out a song as effortlessly as any other Dorothy before her ever has."
– Washington Informer
"Big, fun and flashy! The production is a bonafide party, a celebration of blackness in all its many forms. There’s a lot of laughs, a lot of heart and the pacing is as well-oiled as the Tinman’s knees. It feels familiar, but also remarkably modern."
– Washington City Paper
"Sweet! Sweet! Sweet! 'The Wiz' takes a tale with timeless themes and layers on … while offering a spectacle that’s visual morphine. Glorious costumes. Beautiful movements (including a trapeze sequence during 'Funky Monkeys')."
– DC Theatre Scene
"Smile-inducing! Friends of Dorothy, both young and young at heart, should find plenty to love in Ford’s Theatre’s 'The Wiz.'"
– Metro Weekly
"Following the Yellow Brick Road has never been so much fun or as magical! Spares no detail with its dazzling set design, eye-catching costumes, original choreography and moving numbers."
– Maryland Theatre Guide
"Visually stunning! High-powered and inventive! The Yellow Brick Road, the Emerald City, and the Wicked Witch's palace all come to life in Technicolor splendor. "
– Edge Washington

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