Entertainment

Soul, Sparkle and The Wiz

Published

8 months ago

October 8, 2025

Mark Shone

A Night of Energy, Nostalgia and Modern Flair Turned The Adrienne Arsht Center Into a Living, Breathing Oz.

October 7th, 2025

Under the direction of Schele Williams (The Notebook, revival of Disney’s Aida), choreography by JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” and Black Is King) and additional material by Tony- and Emmy-nominated writer and TV host Amber Ruffin (The Amber Ruffin Show, Late Night With Seth Meyers), the production of The Wiz at Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center was truly a night to remember. The show pulsed with energy, nostalgia and modern flair in a way that felt alive from the first note.

The evening opened with the Xavier Austin Band (@XAELIVE), and they set the tone perfectly. The lead singer’s voice filled the room with soul and power, while the band and backup singers brought a rhythm that had everyone clapping along. They even offered character drawings for the audience, which I couldn’t resist. The artist captured me perfectly (handsome, of course, LOL) and my wife even more beautifully. That little personal touch made the night feel connected before the curtain even rose on The Wiz.

Once the show began, it gave the familiar story a modern pulse. Dorothy’s Kansas background coping with bullying and a new school after losing her parents and moving in with her aunt, which hit home for me, especially since I see students in similar situations. The tornado scene was breathtaking. Instead of relying on effects or projections, dancers embodied the storm. Gray flowing costumes and swirling choreography made wind and rain feel alive. When Dorothy landed in Oz, the stage exploded with color. The costumes were exquisite as sparkling fabrics and textures brought every character to life. The team that designed them deserves serious praise.

The production found clever ways to keep the story interactive. The Yellow Brick Road wasn’t a backdrop, but instead it was made up of drum majors dressed in yellow, moving in perfect rhythm as they guided the cast along. It had the energy of a halftime show wrapped as a Broadway spectacle. For a moment, I thought they could almost go toe-to-toe with the Four Horsemen of Bethune-Cookman University’s marching band and that’s saying something.

The cast shone across the board. The Tin Man was my favorite as he performed some pretty sharp dancing, heartfelt singing, especially during “Slide Some Oil On Me,” which had the crowd cheering. The Scarecrow brought charm and humor and the Lion had everyone laughing as he struggled with courage. Their chemistry with Dorothy felt effortless. The witches, Evermean and Eveline (the latter only referenced through her death), brought intensity, and “No Bad News” became one of the night’s biggest crowd-pleasers.

Emerald City came alive with dancers in shimmering green, blending ballet, jazz and even a bit of twerking that had the audience roaring. It was bold but it worked blending a perfect mix of tradition and modern flair. As Dorothy and her friends faced their fears, defeated the witches and discovered the power they already had, the story’s deeper message landed naturally.

Then came The Wiz himself. First in full costume, later in a modern Adidas sweatsuit, his performance was commanding and soulful. His voice carried conviction and the mix of humor and heart reminded everyone why The Wiz has endured for decades.

By the end, the audience was on its feet, moved not just by the spectacle, but by the spirit behind it. The Wiz was vibrant, fresh and full of life creating a show that left you believing in a little magic of your own.

Get Your Tickets Now

Kravis On Broadway
The Wiz
October 21–26
Tuesday, Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Friday at 8 p.m.
Saturday at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Sunday at 2 p.m.
DREYFOOS HALL
Tickets start at $51.75 including fees
Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, FL 33401
For tickets visit kravis.org
*All programs, artists, dates, prices and details are subject to change.