If You’re Reading This – You’re Too Late
Last night, ‘ The Wiz Live ‘ made its television Broadway debut on NBC network. The 3-hour LIVE event production was one for every parent and child; the ultimate family night. Did I say this show was LIVE, okay now that we got that out the way. Let’s first acknowledge the AMAZING production of this show.
Tonight was truly a special night in my house. There was so many great moments and life lessons in the Wiz Live and I am so thankful and appreciative to have revisited ‘Dorothy’s iconic sing-along journey down the yellow-brick road with my sugarplums [who managed to stay awake from start to finish] .
The Wiz Live Was Magnificent, Magical, & Marvelous
Major kudos to the entire cast including the dancers, background vocalists and production crew for showcasing black excellence in a phenomenal performance.
Winner of 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the original massive Broadway hit spawned a feature film starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Now, a Tony-winning creative team, the imaginative Cirque du Soleil Theatrical and a diverse cast of showstoppers create an eye-popping new take unlike anything ever seen. – NBC
Take a read at some of my favorite moments and tweets:
Former Glee Star, Amber Riley [as AddaPerle] aka the Good Witch Of The North brought her widely talents to the broadway stage and she delivered ‘superb’ vocals. The 29-year old has what it takes to be a household name in Hollywood and I’m sure there’s more bookings coming her way.
David Allen Grier [as the Cowardly Lion] was giving us moment after moment. Let us remember that this talented actor brought so much ‘laughter’ into the homes of many since his stardom days in ‘Living Color’ , ‘Boomerang’, and Appearances On ‘Martin’ , Nickelodeon’s ‘Keenan and Kel’ show and more.
Neyo [as the Tin Man] almost brought us all to tears with heartfelt performance song ‘If I Could Feel’ . He did an amazing job, but I thought Neyo could have done without the southern accent, and slave talk – it wasn’t necessary NBC.
The costumes and make-up were EVERYTHING last night.
Mary J. Blige [as Evilline] reminded us that she does not want ‘no more drama’, ‘no more pain’, and ‘nobody bringing her ‘No Bad News’. Mary’s outfit was fit to perfection.
The dancers in the poppy scene was the ultimate show-stopper, not to mention their fabulous costume and sexy and seductive dancing . I was ready to audition, sign up and join their movement.
Elijah Kelly [ScareCrow] did Michael Jackson justice. He sung his butt off.
Emerald City is the absolute ‘dream club’ for all man kind. It has the Beauty, Choreography, Beats, and Ballroom Decorum. Common [bouncer] did a wonderful job, and Fatima Robinson deserves an ‘Emmy’ for her choreography.
Since were on the topic let’s add in the iconic ‘Vogue’ dance scene that was inserted. This reminded me of my early teen years. My 80’s babies know about this.
Queen Latifah’s [The Wiz] hair do and green contour was a hit and miss for many but that did not overshadow her incredible talent. Who can forget her memorable one liners of the night.
” Know Where Your Going, And Know Where You Come From “
” The Places You Wind Up, When You Don’t Look Where Your Going “
Uzo Aduba’s [Glinda] grand entrance was pure elegance. As one commentator wrote: ‘Uzo came through like champagne brunch and good credit’. My daughter was in aw of this particular moment. Uzo appeared as a fairy godmother bringing golden jewels to young girls everywhere . The message was plain jane:
” The Power Lies Within You ”
Shanice Williams delivered a stellar performance. The New Jersey native can ACT and she can SANG! Shanice, 19 says ‘Dorothy’ was her first role and first audition, and if you’ve watched the show, then you know she SLAYED tonight. I’d like to think that her mentor, the incomparable Stephanie Mills [who played Dorothy in the original broadway musical 40 years ago] influenced her deeply for this role. In the end we learned:
” Home Is Not Where You Live, But Where You Love ”
‘The Wiz Live’ Was Beautiful. Thanks NBC. One Love PLUMS!
#TheWizLive is serving natural hair, black vernacular, black gays, black non gender conforming ppl & it is LITTTT 😍 pic.twitter.com/Ga5yCdkX3O
— Chels (@BEautifully_C) December 4, 2015
You see all this talent? The next next time Hollywood claims they couldn’t find blk ppl for roles know that it’s a bold faced lie! #TheWiz — J.A.M. Aiwuyor (@TweetingJam) December 4, 2015
I love how #TheWizLive is showing how Blackness is not monolithic & there IS diversity within Black culture. — Tom Hardly (@softjunebreeze) December 4, 2015
IF YOU’RE OFFENDED BY THIS, I HATE YOU. #THEWIZ https://t.co/o1rqVsV9xg — Philip DeFranco (@PhillyD) December 3, 2015
I don’t even think NBC realizes the gift it gave our little black girls tonight #TheWizLive — Ira Madison III (@ira) December 4, 2015
This entire production is @ViolaDavis‘ Emmy speech realized. The only thing that separates us from anyone else is opportunity. #TheWiz — Ron. (@RonnieSnark) December 4, 2015
#TheWiz proves what we already know-for our community it’s not a lack of talent, it’s a lack of opportunity. Thanks @nbc for the opportunity — Thelma B. (@kaceTHEkid) December 4, 2015
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