tldrdaily.news logo
Tag

The Wiz

All articles tagged with #the wiz

arts-and-culture1 year ago

"The Wiz" Returns: Broadway Revival with Trailblazing Director

The Wiz, a beloved Broadway musical, returns with a queerer and funnier revival, featuring an updated book by Amber Ruffin and directed by Schele Williams. The show, known for its "Black-is-beautiful" glory, has a rich history and cultural significance, despite the 1978 film adaptation's financial failure. The revival, featuring a contemporary, post-Obama visual aesthetic, showcases a diverse and talented cast, and aims to inspire self-belief and celebrate Black excellence.

via The Cut|
#arts-and-culture#black-excellence#broadway
arts1 year ago

"The Wiz" Broadway Revival: A Star-Studded Return to the Yellow Brick Road

"The Wiz," a classic Black adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz," returns to Broadway with a revival directed by Schele Williams and an updated book by Amber Ruffin. The production aims to present a fresh take "through the Blackest of Black lenses," featuring a Black cast and creative visuals. While showcasing standout performances and creative visuals, the revival falls short of fully bringing modern Blackness to Broadway.

via The New York Times|
#arts#black-representation#broadway
entertainment1 year ago

"The Wiz" Broadway Revival: A Hypercolor Whirligig of Fun and Nostalgia

The latest revival of "The Wiz" on Broadway aims to be a fun and entertaining experience, but falls short in creating a cohesive artistic vision. While the ensemble's talent shines through, the overwhelming sound of the music and lack of synergy across visuals detract from the overall production. The adaptation, while enjoyable, neglects significant moments and fails to fully explore Dorothy's character, prioritizing entertainment over storytelling.

via The Washington Post|
#broadway#entertainment#musical
arts-and-entertainment1 year ago

"The Wiz" Broadway Revival: A Black Classic's Maximalist Return

The new revival of "The Wiz" on Broadway is criticized for being flimsy and lackluster, with cheap CGI backdrops and unremarkable sets. While the talented cast and infectious tunes offer occasional hope, the production's cut corners and underwhelming choreography detract from the overall experience, leaving much to be desired in comparison to other "Oz" adaptations.

via New York Post |
#arts-and-entertainment#broadway#musical
arts-and-entertainment1 year ago

"The Wiz" Broadway Revival: A Hypercolor Whirligig of Fun and Nostalgia

The Broadway revival of "The Wiz" overwhelms with maximalist, candy-colored exuberance, diminishing the show's reliable pleasures and swallowing both actors and storytelling in a swirling sensory overload. The hypercolor surge of stimulation competes for audience attention, making it difficult to engage emotionally with the characters. While the hip-hop moves and standout performances provide electrifying moments, the production's excessive visuals and overamplification present both aesthetic and dramatic hurdles, leaving the audience feeling lost in a disjointed, CGI-augmented world.

via Variety|
#arts-and-entertainment#broadway#maximalist
obituary1 year ago

"Remembering Hinton Battle: Broadway's Three-Time Tony Award Winner"

Hinton Battle, a renowned dancer, singer, and actor known for his performances in Broadway's "The Wiz" and other musicals, has passed away at the age of 67. He won three Tony Awards and was celebrated for his acrobatic and tap-dancing skills. Battle's career spanned across Broadway, film, and television, and he also worked as a choreographer. His legacy includes his contributions to musical theater and his impact as an educator in the dance community.

via The Washington Post|
#broadway#dancer#hinton-battle
obituary1 year ago

Broadway Star Hinton Battle, Original Scarecrow in The Wiz, Dies at 67

Broadway star Hinton Battle, best known for originating the role of the Scarecrow in The Wiz, has passed away at the age of 67. His friend Debbie Allen confirmed the news and paid tribute to him on Instagram. Battle, a three-time Tony Award winner, had a successful career in stage, film, and television, and was also a choreographer. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were touched by his talent and energy.

via E! NEWS|
#broadway#debbie-allen#hinton-battle
obituary1 year ago

Broadway Legend Hinton Battle, Original 'The Wiz' Scarecrow, Dies at 67

Hinton Battle, the Tony-winning performer known for originating the role of The Scarecrow in Broadway's The Wiz, has passed away at the age of 67. He won three Tonys and was also recognized for his work in TV, film, and choreography. Battle leaves behind a legacy in the entertainment industry, including his contributions to Broadway, film, and his dedication to mentoring young talent through his Hinton Battle Dance Academy.

via Hollywood Reporter|
#broadway#choreographer#hinton-battle
obituary1 year ago

"The Wiz' Scarecrow Actor Hinton Battle Dies at 67"

Hinton Battle, the original Scarecrow in The Wiz and a three-time Tony winner, has passed away at the age of 67 after a lengthy illness. Battle, who made his Broadway debut at 15, went on to achieve Tony-winning acclaim and appeared in various television shows and movies. He was also known for his choreography work and his comedy musical Love Lies. His friend and fellow performer Debbie Allen confirmed his passing and paid tribute to him on social media.

via Entertainment Weekly News|
#broadway#debbie-allen#hinton-battle
obituary1 year ago

Broadway Legend Hinton Battle, Original 'The Wiz' Scarecrow, Dies at 67

Hinton Battle, the three-time Tony Award winning actor known for originating the role of Scarecrow in Broadway’s The Wiz, has passed away at the age of 67. His friend, actor and choreographer Debbie Allen, confirmed his death, but the cause was not disclosed. Battle had a successful career on Broadway, winning Tony Awards for his performances in Sophisticated Ladies, The Tap Dance Kid, and Miss Saigon. He also made numerous TV appearances and is remembered for his role as the demon Sweet in a 2001 musical episode of Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

via Deadline|
#broadway#debbie-allen#hinton-battle
entertainment2 years ago

TikTok Helps Cast Dorothy for Broadway-Bound Revival of 'The Wiz'

Nichelle Lewis, a 24-year-old performer who gained attention through her TikTok videos, has been cast as Dorothy in the Broadway-bound revival of "The Wiz." Lewis will star in the national touring show this fall before making her Broadway debut in 2024. The production, adapted from "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," will also feature Wayne Brady and Alan Mingo Jr. as the Wiz, Deborah Cox as Glinda, and other talented cast members. Lewis expressed her excitement and emphasized the importance of individuality and self-discovery in the show's message. "The Wiz" originally opened on Broadway in 1975 and won several Tony Awards.

via The Associated Press|
#broadway#casting#entertainment