New Haven – The Shubert Theatre welcomed theater‑goers for a five‑night run of the celebrated musical The Wiz, concluding on Sunday, Oct. 4. From the opening bars of “Ease on Down the Road,” the audience responded with enthusiastic applause, eager to experience a fresh take on the classic Oz story.
Local excitement for a beloved classic
Originally debuting on Broadway in 1975, The Wiz earned seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and later inspired a 1978 film starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, and Richard Pryor. This production brings the same energy to New Haven, featuring a talented cast led by Gabby Simone as Dorothy, Jose E. Figueroa, Jr. as the Scarecrow, Jaelen Spellman as the Tinman, and Asher Havon as the Lion.
Performance highlights
Critics praised the vocal power of the cast, noting that each song seemed to shake the theatre’s walls as if a real tornado were passing outside. Highlights included the moving duet “The Feeling We Once Had,” where Dorothy and Auntie Em reflect on loss and new beginnings, and the uplifting anthem “Be a Lion,” encouraging courage on the journey to meet the Wiz.
The choreography received particular commendation. Dancers in green bodysuits transformed into poppies, while those in grey capes embodied the tornado that lifts Dorothy’s house from Kansas to Oz. Their dynamic movement added a visual layer that deepened the audience’s immersion.
Audience engagement
Beyond the spectacle, the production fostered a communal sing‑along. When “Ease on Down the Road” returned in later scenes, many in the audience joined in, and the finale’s “Everybody Rejoice” (also known as “A Brand New Day”) prompted a spontaneous chorus from the house after the final bow.
Even those who are not regular theater‑goers found themselves swept up in the experience. One reviewer, who admitted a childhood fear of the original 1939 film’s flying monkeys, confessed that the live performance’s music and message were “insanely catchy and inspiring.”
Why the story still matters
At its core, The Wiz delivers a timeless message of inner strength and perseverance. As Auntie Em tells Dorothy, “The hard stuff is there to let you know just how good you got it,” a line echoed later by the Good Witch, reinforcing the idea that challenges reveal our true capabilities.
The production’s blend of soulful music, vibrant dance, and contemporary dialogue makes the classic tale feel fresh for today’s audiences while honoring its roots.
Practical information
Tickets are still available through the Shubert Theatre’s website. The show runs nightly through Sunday, Oct. 4, offering New Haven residents multiple opportunities to enjoy this uplifting musical experience.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
