Entertainment
Soul, Sparkle and The Wiz
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.

Pre-Broadway production of The Wiz, featuring Deborah Cox as Glinda and Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy in He’s The Wiz. Photo by Jeremy Daniel © 2023.
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.

Pre-Broadway production of The Wiz, featuring Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman. Photo by Jeremy Daniel © 2023.
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.
Entertainment
Eudēmonia Summit 2025 Brings Wellness, Science, and Soul to West Palm Beach
From neuroscience to cryotherapy, the Eudēmonia Summit turned flourishing into a full sensory experience. Every corner offered something new to taste, try, or feel.
November 17, 2025
Eudēmonia might be an unfamiliar word, but its meaning is timeless. Flourishing. Living well. Thriving in every sense. And that spirit defined the entire second annual Eudēmonia Summit in West Palm Beach, where science, wellness, and curiosity came together for a weekend that felt both grounding and energizing.
From the moment guests stepped inside the Palm Beach Convention Center, the tone was set. The lighting was warm, the installations thoughtfully designed, and the air carried a calm that encouraged everyone to slow down and simply take it all in. Attendees wandered through the space with a mix of wonder and intention, sampling wellness drinks, speaking with experts, stretching through guided movement zones, and exploring an impressive collection of new health technologies. It felt like stepping into a world where taking care of yourself was the main priority.
The speaker lineup delivered nonstop inspiration. Andrew Huberman translated neuroscience into everyday tools. Amy Shah made gut health refreshingly clear. Dave Asprey drew crowds eager to understand longevity from a practical angle. Dan Buettner brought the joy and storytelling behind the Blue Zones to life. Halle Berry added a touch of movie star brilliance and genuine heart as she shared her personal approach to wellness. Each session felt polished, purposeful, and packed with insights that guests immediately wanted to try at home.

The Exposome floor was the true heartbeat of the event. It buzzed with people rotating between red light therapy, cryotherapy boosts, aromatherapy experiences, meditation pods, hydration bars, and interactive recovery stations. Brands showcased products that blended science with sensory appeal, and guests moved between booths with an easy mix of curiosity and play. Everywhere you looked, someone was discovering something new.
What made the weekend stand out was how natural the sense of community felt. Conversations sparked over tastings, product demos, and shared favorite sessions. People compared wellness readings, swapped recommendations, and connected over a mutual desire to feel better and live with intention. Nothing felt forced or overly formal. Instead, the summit created space for authentic connection and genuine enthusiasm.
At the center of everything was the idea of the exposome, the concept that our daily environment shapes our health far more than we often realize. The food we eat, the stress we carry, the people we interact with, and the choices we make again and again all leave an imprint. Throughout the weekend this idea transformed from theory into something beautifully practical. Guests began seeing small daily habits as powerful tools rather than obligations.
By the end of the summit, attendees walked out with tote bags filled with wellness products and notebooks full of ideas, but more importantly, they left with a refreshed understanding of what it means to truly flourish. The second year of Eudēmonia felt bigger, smarter, and more vibrant than the first, signaling that it is quickly becoming one of the most compelling wellness gatherings in South Florida.
If flourishing had a destination this weekend, it was here.
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