Before it makes a welcome return to Broadway in the spring of 2024, the celebrated musical, “The Wiz,” is embarking on a national tour, with a stop in Atlanta beginning November 14, courtesy of Broadway in Atlanta. Many of the central players in the return are Atlantans and a few are out.
Brian A. Moreland, one of the producers, first saw “The Wiz” growing up in California as an 8-year-old, taken by his mother to see the show. Afterward he started a performing career and then moved into producing.
“As a producer, this is one of those properties I’d check on every single year,” he said. “I’d call the estate and ask if it was available and the answer would always be ‘no.’ Finally about four years ago I called and I was told it was. I started the journey then [to bring it back] with Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker.”
A huge challenge in reviving the musical is pleasing all those who remember the stage version almost 50 years ago and the 1978 film with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson.
“That is one we wrestled with — how do we make this thing that has so much history, that means so much to so many people, and make it relevant for today?” Moreland said. “We kept elements of the original 1975 production and kept it and infused it with new elements. There is new choreography and dance arrangements, but still all the dancing you know.”
Moreland promises a new version of the musical, based on the original choreography by George Faison, and the return of the Stephanie Mills song, “Wonder Wonder Why” that was added to the 1984 revival.
“There is really something for everyone here,” he said. “If you are big fan, you’ll be very satisfied.”
He is aware that the show has a strong LGBTQ appeal.
“I think the reason is, it is about what the show stands for,” he said. “It is home and I think, as a gay man, people are always searching for their individual drive, their place where they can feel safe and…
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