The Wiz Musical Tour 2026
The Wiz, the Tony Award-winning musical that reimagines L. Frank Baum’s classic “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” through an African-American cultural lens, is embarking on an extensive North American tour in 2026. This revival brings a fresh perspective to the beloved story, blending soul, gospel, rock, and ’70s funk to narrate Dorothy’s journey in a contemporary setting.
What is The Wiz Musical About?
“The Wiz” is a groundbreaking musical that reimagines L. Frank Baum’s 1900 classic, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” through the lens of African-American culture. Debuting on Broadway in 1975, it offers a contemporary and soulful retelling of Dorothy’s adventures in the Land of Oz, infused with a rich tapestry of musical genres, including soul, gospel, rock, and funk.
The narrative centers on Dorothy, a young African-American girl from Kansas, who is swept away by a tornado to the magical Land of Oz. In her quest to return home, she embarks on a journey to meet The Wiz, a powerful and enigmatic figure she believes can assist her. Along the way, Dorothy befriends three iconic characters:
- Scarecrow: A being made of straw who desires a brain to think and make decisions.
- Tin Man: A mechanical man who longs for a heart to feel emotions.
- Lion: A cowardly lion seeking courage to overcome his fears.
Together, they navigate challenges and confront the Wicked Witch of the West, Evillene. Throughout their journey, each character discovers that the qualities they seek—intelligence, love, courage, and home—are already within them. The story culminates with Dorothy realizing that she has the power to return home by believing in herself.
The musical’s innovative approach lies not only in its retelling of a familiar story but also in its celebration of African-American culture. The characters, settings, and musical styles are all steeped in contemporary Black experiences, offering a fresh and empowering perspective. The score, composed by Charlie Smalls and others, features memorable songs such as “Ease On Down the Road,” “Be a Lion,” and “Home,” which have become classics in their own right.
Over the years, “The Wiz” has seen various adaptations, including a 1978 film starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, and a live television production in 2015 titled “The Wiz Live!” Each iteration has brought its unique flavor while staying true to the core message of self-discovery and empowerment.
In essence, “The Wiz” is a vibrant celebration of culture and music. Its themes of self-belief, friendship, and the search for one’s true home continue to resonate with audiences, making it a timeless piece of musical theater.
The Wiz Musical Plot
Prologue
Dorothy Gale lives with her Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, and dog Toto on a Kansas farm. Though she works hard, Dorothy dreams of far-off places, which frustrates Aunt Em, who believes daydreaming is a distraction from their hard life. After a disagreement, Aunt Em apologizes, expressing concern for Dorothy’s future and wanting her to be prepared for life’s challenges
Act I
A tornado hits, lifting Dorothy’s house into the air. It lands in the Land of Oz, where Dorothy meets the Munchkins and Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North. Addaperle explains that Dorothy’s house killed the Wicked Witch of the East, freeing the Munchkins. To return home, Dorothy is told to visit the Wizard in the Emerald City, and Addaperle gives her silver shoes for protection.
On her journey, Dorothy meets a Scarecrow who wants a brain. They find a rusted Tin Man who longs for a heart. The group then encounters a cowardly lion who seeks courage. After fighting off Kalidahs, evil creatures, and Dorothy comforting the Lion, they continue their journey.
They are drugged by poppies releasing opium dust. Dorothy remembers Addaperle’s warning and drags her friends out, while the Lion is saved by the Mice Squad. They arrive at the Emerald City, where they are given green glasses. The citizens mock them, but when they see Dorothy’s silver shoes, they lead them to the Wizard. The Wizard agrees to grant their wishes if they defeat the Wicked Witch of the West, Evillene. The group is discouraged by the task.
Act II
The group sets off to defeat Evillene, facing obstacles on the way. They enter the Wicked Witch’s territory, where they are trapped and forced to face her evil power. With courage, teamwork, and the strength of Dorothy’s silver shoes, they finally confront Evillene. After a fierce battle, they succeed in melting the Witch with water.
They return to the Emerald City, where the Wizard reveals that he is a man from Kansas who has been using tricks to appear powerful. However, he gives each of them what they desire: a brain (for the Scarecrow), a heart (for the Tin Man), courage (for the Lion), and the assurance that Dorothy can return home. Dorothy clicks her heels three times, and she is magically transported back to Kansas, reunited with Aunt Em, Uncle Henry, and Toto.
The Wiz Musical National Tour Production History
The Wiz has had several national tours and revivals, each bringing new energy and innovation to the beloved musical. The show first captivated audiences on Broadway in 1975, winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Its impact led to multiple national tours and adaptations, ensuring its legacy continues for new generations.
National Tour 1976-1977
The first national tour of The Wiz launched in 1976, bringing the show to cities across the U.S. The production starred Kenneth Kamal Scott as The Wiz and Renn Woods as Dorothy. However, Renn Woods left the tour early to appear in the film Hair, and Renee C. Harris took over as Dorothy. The cast also featured Ben Harney as the Tin Man and Ken Prymus as the Lion. This tour helped cement the musical’s popularity beyond Broadway, proving its wide appeal.
The Wiz Broadway Revival and Tour 1984
After the success of the original production, The Wiz was revived in 1984 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre. This revival featured Stephanie Mills reprising her role as Dorothy, a part she originated in 1975. While the Broadway run was brief, this production later toured, making a significant impact in regional theaters. The revival demonstrated the musical’s continued relevance and influence.
Concert Tour 1996-1997
In the late 1990s, The Wiz was reimagined as a concert tour featuring high-profile artists. Tasha Scott played Dorothy, while Grace Jones portrayed Evillene, Peabo Bryson played The Wiz, and CeCe Peniston appeared as Glinda. This tour offered a fresh take on the musical, incorporating elements of contemporary R&B and pop to reach new audiences.
Production and Regional Tours 2009
A staged concert of The Wiz was performed in 2009 as part of the Encores! series at New York City Center. Ashanti starred as Dorothy, with Orlando Jones as The Wiz, and LaChanze as Glinda. The production received praise for its vibrant energy and faithfulness to the original spirit of the show. Around the same time, several regional theaters launched their own productions, further keeping The Wiz alive on the stage.
The Wiz National Tour and Broadway Return 2023-2025
In 2023, a new national tour of The Wiz began, directed by Schele Williams. The production featured additional material by comedian and writer Amber Ruffin, modernizing the script while preserving its classic appeal. The tour debuted in Baltimore, with Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, Wayne Brady as The Wiz, and Deborah Cox as Glinda. The show received acclaim for its fresh choreography and set design, drawing in both longtime fans and new audiences. Following the national tour, The Wiz made a highly anticipated return to Broadway in 2025 at the Marquis Theatre. This production was a testament to the musical’s enduring popularity and cultural significance.
The Wiz National Tour 2026
Due to the success of the 2023-2025 tour, The Wiz will continue touring in 2026, bringing the show to more cities across the US Alan Mingo Jr. and Mykal Kilgore will lead the cast, ensuring that the next generation experiences the magic of The Wiz.
The Wiz Musical Tour Tickets
Tickets for The Wiz 2026 tour are available now. You can buy tickets in the table below.
Prices and on-sale dates may vary by location. For example, tickets for the Houston performances at the Hobby Center, scheduled start at $40.
The Wiz Tour Dates
The Wiz Musical Critical Acclaim
The Wiz has garnered praise for its vibrant storytelling and dynamic performances. Entertainment Weekly hailed it as “a groundbreaking classic,” while Vogue noted that “every moment bursts with color and humor.” The New York Times commended the production, stating, “There’s plenty of gold along this yellow brick road.”
The Wiz Musical 2026 US Tour Awards and Nominations
The 2026 North American tour of The Wiz has garnered significant attention and acclaim. The production has been recognized for its exceptional talent and creative contributions.
Creative Team and Cast Awards
The tour features a distinguished creative team, including Academy Award winner Hannah Beachler as scenic designer and two-time Academy Award nominee Sharen Davis as costume designer. The principal cast is led by Dana Cimone as Dorothy, Alan Mingo Jr. as The Wiz, Sheherazade as Glinda, and Kyla Jade as Aunt Em/Evillene. Other notable cast members include D. Jerome as the Tinman, Mykal Kilgore as the Lion, and Elijah Ahmad Lewis as the Scarecrow.
Upcoming Awards Consideration
Given the tour’s recent commencement, it is anticipated that the production will be considered for various theater awards in the upcoming award season. The creative team’s previous accolades, such as the Academy Awards and Emmy Awards, suggest a strong potential for recognition.
The Wiz Creative Team
- Schele Williams (Director): Schele Williams is at the helm of this revival, known for her work on Ain’t Too Proud and Once on This Island. Williams’s direction brings a contemporary perspective while respecting the musical’s legacy, creating an immersive experience for new and returning audiences.
- Hannah Beachler (Scenic Designer): a visionary artist known for her work on films such as Black Panther, for which she won an Academy Award for Best Production Design. Beachler brings a fresh, innovative approach to The Wiz, ensuring that the visual storytelling resonates with both the spirit of the original show and modern sensibilities.
- Sharen Davis (Costume Designer): a two-time Academy Award nominee, Davis is celebrated for her exceptional costume designs, including her work on Dreamgirls and The Help. Her costumes for The Wiz are expected to blend bold, colorful elements with imaginative designs that complement the fantastical world of Oz.
- Amber Ruffin (Writer): a talented writer and comedian, Ruffin contributes new material to update the show’s script for a modern audience while keeping the humor and heart that made The Wiz a cultural landmark.
The Wiz Cast tour
| Role | Artist |
|---|---|
| Dorothy | Dana Cimone |
| The Wiz | Alan Mingo Jr. |
| Glinda | Sheherazade |
| Aunt Em/Evillene | Kyla Jade |
| Tinman | D. Jerome |
| Lion | Mykal Kilgore |
| Scarecrow | Elijah Ahmad Lewis |
- Dana Cimone (Dorothy): taking on the iconic role of Dorothy, Cimone brings her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence to the part. Known for her recent theater performances, she captivates as a fearless heroine navigating the land of Oz.
- Alan Mingo Jr. (The Wiz): Mingo Jr. is a seasoned performer, best known for his roles in Kinky Boots and Pippin. He brings charisma, humor, and depth to the role of The Wiz, ensuring his portrayal of the wizard feels both humorous and wise.
- Sheherazade (Glinda): Sheherazade plays Glinda the Good Witch with a grace and charm that defines her character. Her extensive experience in both theater and film adds layers to the character, making Glinda both a guiding force and a symbol of hope for Dorothy.
- Kyla Jade (Aunt Em/Evillene): Jade takes on the dual role of Aunt Em and the Wicked Witch, Evillene. Known for her powerhouse vocal performances, Jade’s portrayal will showcase the contrasting maternal warmth of Aunt Em and the fierce, commanding presence of Evillene.
- D. Jerome (Tinman): Jerome portrays the heart-seeking Tinman with vulnerability and emotion. His previous experience in theater brings depth to this beloved character, whose journey is both humorous and poignant.
- Mykal Kilgore (Lion): Kilgore’s portrayal of the Cowardly Lion will bring an exciting mix of comedy and emotion, as he works through the Lion’s quest for courage. Kilgore’s background in both musical theater and R&B ensures his performance will be full of energy and heart.
- Elijah Ahmad Lewis (Scarecrow): Lewis brings the Scarecrow to life with his unique blend of comedic timing and emotional depth. His journey to find a brain is both humorous and touching, making his performance a key highlight in the tour.
Don’t miss this musical masterpiece with its incredible cast. Buy your ticket today to fill yourself with incredible emotions!
Watch The Wiz Video
FAQ
How long is The Wiz Musical?
The performance runs approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including a 20-minute intermission.
What is the recommended age for children attending The Wiz Musical Tour 2026?
While the show is family-friendly, it is recommended for children aged 4 and above.
When do 2026 The Wiz Tickets go on Sale?
The 2026 The Wiz tickets are already available for purchase on our website.
How much are The Wiz Tickets?
Prices may vary by location. For example, tickets for the Houston performances at the Hobby Center start at $40.
How to Buy Cheap The Wiz Tour Tickets?
Tickets are available for purchase on our website in the table above, where you can find the best deals.
What to wear to The Wiz?
When attending The Wiz musical, it’s important to consider both comfort and the atmosphere of the show. The Wiz is a lively, family-friendly production, so it’s best to go for a smart-casual look.
What is The Wiz Musical about?
It is a reimagined version of The Wizard of Oz, set in an urban world. Dorothy, swept to the Land of Oz, teams up with the Scarecrow, Tinman, and Cowardly Lion to meet the Wiz and find her way home. The show features soulful music and themes of self-discovery.