I’m going to be the first one to tell you, I don’t have strong feelings about the Wizard of Oz. I just don’t. I didn’t even see the full movie until I was in my 30’s. I had seen bits and pieces on TV, and I knew the basic story, but hadn’t sat down and watched the whole thing until then. So I didn’t expect to enjoy The Wiz. After it, it was just a retelling of the classic story, right?
Well, yes. And also no.
The Wiz takes a look at that same story through the lens of a different culture. The basic story is the same. It’s also more modernized, and I think has a lot of potential to continue being modernized as time goes on. Let’s face it, the book was written in 1900 and the original movie premiered in 1939. There are a lot of things in both that are nice and pretty, but don’t necessarily hold up well in more modern times. The Wiz premiered in the 70’s, but in a way that I feel can continue to be more updated with each new production.
And of course, we have the movie version with Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, and Lena Horne, which isn’t to be dismissed. Actually, go watch it if you haven’t, it’s got so many good people in it!
I watched the most recent Live version, that was on TV several years ago. I actually saw it when it was first shown, and it was as good as I remembered. I had forgotten many of the people who were in it, so it was fun little game of who might show up next. It’s a delight, and I encourage you to watch it!