The Wiz at Hope Mill Theatre
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Head to Hope Mill Theatre this winter for a new UK production of The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical Wonderful Wizard of Oz – the first revival of the show in 10 years. First opening on Broadway in 1975, The Wiz is a joyous musical retelling of L Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz reflecting contemporary African-American culture.
The atmospheric and intimate stage at Hope Mill seems the perfect space to host this eagerly anticipated revival. With music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls, book by William F Brown and original musical arrangements by Harold Wheeler, this is a Christmas cracker of a show.
Set to bring classic funk, soul and afrobeat to the Hope Mill stage.
With an exceptional creative team headed up by the Actors Touring Company Artistic Director Matthew Xia, the iconic musical is set to bring classic funk, soul and afrobeat to the Hope Mill stage.
In an explosion of music, movement and magic, The Wiz tells the story of Dorothy, a young girl who gets swept up in a tornado and finds herself transported to the fantastical world of Oz. In this magical land she makes new friends, battles against evil witches and embarks on a quest to find the all-powerful and mystifying Wiz.
Packed with lots of heart, an irresistible soul score and a super-talented cast.
The 1975 Broadway premiere of the show won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Of the musical, director Matthew Xia said, “The Wiz is approaching its 50th anniversary, it now exists within the canon of mainstream musicals and it’s due time for some bold reinvention. Originally a funk and soul-based analogy for the African-American experience, in 2021 Manchester we’re offering a contemporary take on the discovery of self-determination and Black joy with this celebration of Black culture across the African diaspora.”
Packed with lots of heart, an irresistible soul score and a super-talented cast, The Wiz is sure to delight this Christmas – whatever your age.
