Tony's Timeless Thursdays: The Wiz — Home Is More Than a Place
- Tyrone Tony Reed Jr.
- May 22, 2025
- 6 min read
There are films that entertain, and then there are films that elevate. The Wiz is one of those rare creations that transcends its genre to become a cultural milestone. And on this week's Tony's Timeless Thursdays, I'm spotlighting The Wiz in all its vibrant, soul-infused glory—not just the 1978 cult classic starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, but also the groundbreaking 2015 NBC live adaptation and the Broadway revival that returned in 2023 and continues to tour in 2025. Each version stands tall in its own era, reminding us that home is not always where we started, but where we are fully seen, fully loved, and finally free.
The 1978 Film: Diana Ross's Dorothy and a Musical Reimagining
The film’s cast was a constellation of Black excellence. Diana Ross, though older than the typical Dorothy, brought a delicate vulnerability and mature longing to the role that redefined the heroine’s emotional journey. Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow not only delighted audiences with his natural charm and dancing finesse, but gave a tender, transformative performance that revealed his untapped acting prowess. Nipsey Russell’s Tinman was both tragic and witty—a mechanical man with a bleeding heart. Ted Ross reprised his Broadway role as the Cowardly Lion with comedic flair and deep soul, bringing levity and strength to the trio. Lena Horne’s Glinda was luminous and majestic, casting divine energy with every note she sang. Richard Pryor, known for his biting humor, brought surprising complexity to The Wiz, a man hidden behind smoke and illusions who finally admits his fear.
When The Wiz hit theaters in 1978, it wasn’t just a remake of The Wizard of Oz; it was a full-blown celebration of Black artistry, Afrofuturism, and soulful storytelling. Directed by Sidney Lumet and adapted from the 1975 Broadway musical, the film brought together an all-star cast: Diana Ross (Dorothy), Michael Jackson (Scarecrow), Nipsey Russell (Tinman), Ted Ross (Cowardly Lion), Lena Horne (Glinda), and Richard Pryor (The Wiz).
Set in an alternate-universe New York City, The Wiz followed a 24-year-old schoolteacher named Dorothy who gets swept away by a snowstorm and transported to the fantastical land of Oz. Gone were Kansas fields and yellow brick roads of Midwest innocence; instead, we wandered through graffiti-laced walls, golden roads lit by neon lights, and a pop-art-meets-urban-jungle dreamscape.
Key Songs:
"Ease on Down the Road"
"Be a Lion"
"Home"
"You Can't Win"
Diana Ross's rendition of "Home" in particular is a showstopper. It's not just a song—it's a soul cry. A realization. A breakthrough. And in many ways, it becomes the emotional thesis of the entire film.
Michael Jackson’s performance as the Scarecrow revealed his depth as an actor, blending vulnerability, rhythm, and charisma in a role that mirrored his own search for belonging and identity.
NBC's The Wiz Live! (2015): A Celebration of Revival and Representation
Each performer brought something special to the screen. Shanice Williams, then just 19 years old, was radiant and grounded as Dorothy, capturing the character’s uncertainty and strength in equal measure. Queen Latifah added gravitas and style to the role of The Wiz, flipping expectations and giving the character an air of empowerment. Mary J. Blige stunned as the wicked Evillene, injecting grit and diva dominance into every note. Ne-Yo’s Tinman offered a gentle soulfulness, while David Alan Grier gave the Lion big-hearted bluster. Elijah Kelley’s high-energy Scarecrow was all charisma and impeccable movement. Together, they formed a fresh and unforgettable cast that honored the original while forging something completely new.
In 2015, NBC resurrected The Wiz as a live television event—The Wiz Live!—introducing the story to a new generation with updated choreography, vivid costuming, and high-definition production. It starred newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy, alongside Queen Latifah (The Wiz), Mary J. Blige (Evillene), Amber Riley (Addaperle), Ne-Yo (Tinman), David Alan Grier (Lion), and Elijah Kelley (Scarecrow).
This version fused Broadway roots with modern-day R&B and hip-hop influences, offering musical arrangements that respected the original but refreshed it for contemporary ears. One of its strengths was casting actors who could sing, dance, and act live—bringing real-time emotion and spontaneity to the screen.
Standout Elements:
Updated choreography by Fatima Robinson
Afrocentric costume design with futuristic flair
Shanice Williams's stunning rendition of "Home"
And while the cast delivered performances that ranged from energetic to endearing, there was one moment that simply stopped the show cold—a performance that brought the entire house to its feet.
Amber Riley’s awe-inspiring performance as Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North, was nothing short of transcendent. Her vocals were a blend of gospel grit, Broadway polish, and spiritual exuberance that shook the room. When Riley stepped into the spotlight and sang her solo, the energy in the room shifted. It was more than a performance—it was a testimony. Her comedic timing, warmth, and vocal range elevated the character from a charming supporting role to a full-on scene-stealing sensation. Her number, "He's the Wizard," was electric—blending Broadway sparkle with gospel roots and a joyful proclamation of The Wiz’s greatness. Riley infused every lyric with playful reverence and fearless soul, commanding the stage with both humor and heavenly runs that left audiences breathless. Audience members at home and in-studio couldn’t help but rise to their feet. She didn’t just sing—she soared.
It was the kind of performance that makes you believe in magic. The kind that confirms why The Wiz continues to endure. In that moment, Amber Riley reminded us all that the journey to find your way sometimes requires someone to remind you that the magic already lives within you.
NBC’s The Wiz Live! proved that the story still resonates and still needs to be told, especially in a climate where Black youth are searching for identity, hope, and their own yellow-brick road home.
The 2023-2025 Broadway Revival: Bold, Black, and Beautiful (Featuring Wayne Brady and Deborah Cox)
Rounding out the stellar cast were Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, whose vocal delivery blended youthful wonder with powerhouse soul; Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, who delivered a performance that was both humorous and heartbreakingly tender; Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, whose every movement and vocal note oozed raw emotion and rhythm; and Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow, whose flexible vocals and magnetic stage presence lit up every scene. Each cast member brought a rich, textured interpretation that celebrated the legacy of The Wiz while making it unmistakably their own.
The most recent Broadway revival of The Wiz kicked off in 2023 and has continued touring in 2025 to rave reviews. Directed by Schele Williams and choreographed by JaQuel Knight (of Beyoncé fame), this version takes The Wiz back to its theatrical roots while innovating with cutting-edge lighting, new musical arrangements, and a bold Afrocentric visual language.
This production doesn’t just lean into Black culture—it celebrates it unapologetically. With powerhouse talents like Wayne Brady as The Wiz and Deborah Cox as Glinda, this revival soars on the strength of legendary voices and dynamic stage presence. Brady brings charm, soul, and a magnetic wit to the role, offering a nuanced take on a character who often straddles the line between illusion and wisdom. Cox, known for her vocal strength and commanding presence, delivers a Glinda that is equal parts ethereal and empowering—her voice wraps around the audience like a warm embrace, especially during her standout performance of "Believe in Yourself," which earned standing ovations across multiple cities. It incorporates elements of African dance, fashion, and spiritual themes that deepen the storytelling and reconnect the characters to ancestral legacies. From the Munchkinland filled with vibrant street art to Emerald City reimagined as a digital Wakanda-style paradise, the 2023-2025 revival reminds us that Oz, like Black identity, is ever-evolving.
Modern Themes Explored:
Reclaiming identity through culture
Honoring ancestors and legacy
The spiritual journey of self-acceptance
Audiences around the country have reported weeping, cheering, and dancing in the aisles. It’s not just a revival. It’s a resurrection.
Final Thoughts: Home Is More Than a Place
Across all versions of The Wiz, the unshakable message remains: Home is more than geography. It's more than a physical space. It is truth. It is acceptance. It is identity. And for many of us, that journey home isn’t about returning—it’s about discovering who we are and being brave enough to stay there.
Diana Ross sang it best:
"When I think of home, I think of a place where there's love overflowing..."
Whether it’s the silver screen, a live broadcast, or a Broadway stage, The Wiz is a timeless anthem for the lost, the wandering, and the soul-searching. It continues to speak to new generations while reminding the older ones of where we've been.
Ease on down the road. And remember: you’ve had the power all along.
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