The Wiz

by Charlie Smalls, William F. Brown

Everyone knows the story of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz but in this new musical version it's a fantasy for today

Genres: Plays, Musicals, Theatre, Music

142 pages, Paperback

First published April 8, 1979

Reviews

[Kenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very problematic script, dated, and even a bit corny. It's needs a lot work to make it feel fresh.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Wiz as a show has gorgeous music, choreography, set, and costuming design. Unfortunately, despite all of these wonderful aspects, the ‘book’ of the show for me fell very short and did not live up to the high standards of the other creative aspects of this musical. My only exposure to The Wiz before reading this was watching the movie version directed by Sidney Lumet when I was very little, so quite honestly I didn’t remember much other than the fact that it seemed bright and flashy to me, and that I loved the music. That made me very excited to revisit this show, and while I had a great time going and listening to the music again as I was reading and looking up different videos to see the dance breaks and the set, there were a few times that I cringed at the ‘book’. A significant instance of this was when the companions received their gifts from The Wiz, and specifically the behavior that the Scarecrow exhibits when he gets his brain. In the stage notes of the script, there is in parentheses a direction for the Scarecrow to start speaking in an upperclass English accent as soon as he gains his intelligence. This really put me off. It is played off like a joke within the show, but based on the historical implications that kind of decision brings into this work, it makes it hard for me to overlook the other challenges of the book throughout the show. Having even a brief moment within the book that implies that upperclass British people with posh accents (who have historically been generalized as primarily white) are more intelligent than Black people goes against the entire ideology of this show being a celebration of Black culture and finding a sense of community and togetherness. So, while I love most things about this show, I really can’t get past the book and I would honestly love to see it rewritten one day to do the songs justice.

[Javier Fernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stephen Sondheim said that The Wiz is the one show which makes you feel better when you come out of it than you did when you walked in. The Wiz worked its wizardry on me too. I walked out of the show noticeably lighter on my feet!

[Vrixton Phillips]

aw man this was a fun play to be in [I played Ensemble and Lord High Underling... a little awkward for a lil' gay white boy, but at least the lead roles were black?]
Our production was awesome, although a little problematic since the Wiz and the Witches were all white. Still, I had a great time backstage and had the time of my life.

[Lucy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Making a sheepish return to goodreads after a months long break. Wasn’t really purposeful, I’ve just been super busy and I haven’t picked up a book since June- don’t come for me. Literally only read this for the musical at school but don’t hate. This was pretty good to read as a script tbh and I’m glad I have my own copy I can write on. The songs should hard so you gotta listen to the soundtrack. Let’s hope the school doesn’t get cancelled for this one… Be warned with this script some parts are… questionable?

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Needs a little more character development as well as stronger transitions (there's a lot of suddenly ending scenes -- particularly that completely dropping-the-show ending), but it's a great concept that's a lot of fun. The music is also fun, though some of the songs drag without advancing the plot as much as I'd like.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

A retelling of the Wizard of Oz. It has some really great music and is just plain fun!

[Fatima Syed · Rating 5 out of 5]

my god we performed this last year and it was absolutely amazing! proud of my theater company!!!!