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If It Were Up To Me, I’d Cast These 9 Actors In The Broadway Revival Of “The Wiz”
If It Were Up To Me, I'd Cast These 9 Actors In The Broadway Revival Of "The Wiz",I need Billy Porter as The Wiz or I'm not coming. ?

If It Were Up To Me, I’d Cast These 9 Actors In The Broadway Revival Of “The Wiz”

Everybody rejoice because The Wiz is coming (back) to Broadway in 2024 with a pre-production tour starting in Baltimore later this year! But 2024 seems so far away, so I couldn’t help but put together a dream cast of my own.

NBC / Via giphy.com

These are mere suggestions and in no way connected to the official casting announcement which I assume is forthcoming.

Now, before all the theater lovers drag me, let me say that my inspiration for my dream cast is not exclusive to the Broadway version of The Wiz. I was not alive when the show originated on Broadway, so I’ve taken inspo from just about every adaptation of The Wiz I can imagine: the movie starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson, The Wiz Live!, the Original Broadway soundtrack, and other related performances. That said, let’s ease on down the road with the nine actors I’d love to see in The Wiz on Broadway.

Bounce/ Universal Pictures / Via giphy.com

1. Hailey Kilgore as Dorothy

(Bruce Glikas / WireImage)(Universal / courtesy Everett Collection)

After seeing Myles Frost literally BODY Michael Jackson in MJ: The Musical, I thought it’s only right that he play the Scarecrow in this upcoming show. Obviously, there will be original choreography and music that’s unlike the movie adaptation, but I still can’t help but think of Michael Jackson whenever I see Myles Frost. He’d make this role his own, distinct from the King of Pop, but I know his strong athleticism and energetic movements will fit Scarecrow’s flexibility and enthusiasm. If you can capture MJ’s essence onstage, then you can perform anything. I’d like Myles Frost to show us his magic, playing the role as the delightful Scarecrow.

3. Corey Hawkins as Tin Man

(Bruce Glikas / WireImage)(Hulton Archive / Getty Images)

The more Corey Hawkins performances I see, the more I learn of his exceptional talent. Especially in what I saw most recently, Topdog/Underdog on Broadway, where I watched him play Lincoln. That performance is what gave me the vision for Tin Man, specifically during the scenes where Lincoln is dressed as the President he is named after, Abraham Lincoln. He is impersonating Abraham Lincoln for an arcade game, wearing white-face, a top hat, and suit. During this scene, his lines are stiff with mechanical movements and it reminds me of the Tin Man’s introduction scene in The Wiz. There’s even a scene in Topdog/Underdog where Corey Hawkins is playing a guitar and singing. Now, I knew he could sing, but I didn’t know he could SAAAANG. After that song I just wanted more of his voice, but also, I believe that raspy texture would perfectly fit the Tin Man’s “Slide Some Oil to Me.” 

4. Jamie Foxx as The Lion

(Steve Granitz / FilmMagic)(Hulton Archive / Getty Images)

How can you not love Jamie Foxx? Before you question my suggestion, just know that he’s no stranger to musicals. In fact, after he played Mr. Stacks in Annie (brilliant casting choice by the way), I thought, why hasn’t Jamie Foxx been on Broadway? Seriously, what’s the hold up? He is one of those actors whose performance can take you into any world, whether historical like in Ray and Just Mercy, or fantasy like in Soul, this man can sell a performance and he’d be wonderful (and comical) as the Lion. Just imagine all the drama and ferocity Jamie Foxx would bring to “Mean Ole Lion” and then turn around and show how much of a cowardly Lion he is after Dorothy slaps him. I’m already laughing because I can just feel the perfection of Jamie’s comedic timing during this scene. 

5. Amber Riley as Addaperle

Nbc / NBCU Photo Bank / NBCUniversal via Getty Images

“Sweet thing, let me tell you ’bout…” that time I saw Amber Riley as Effie White in Dreamgirls on The West End! I was blown away and utterly speechless. When I think of musical theater, I think Glee, I think Mercedes, I think Amber Riley. Not to mention, she did a wonderful job in the TV version of The Wiz Live!, so I’m asking all the Broadway powers that be to make it happen. 

6. Billy Porter as The Wiz

(Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)(Hulton Archive / Getty Images)

I honestly think this is a no-brainer, and I think someone who is Broadway royalty should play The Wiz. I expect extravagant gestures, a fierce attitude, a jazz-like composure, and an overpowering demeanor because no one can command the stage and wear a fit quite like Billy Porter! We need to fear The Wiz, reverence him and his so-called status, and truly believe that he is as powerful as he claims to be. He can take us to church if need be, keep it classical, pay homage, or simply make it his own. I know Billy Porter will bring something new to the characterization of The Wiz, and I’m totally here for it!

7. Alex Newell as Evillene

(Lloyd Bishop / NBCU Photo Bank / NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)(Universal Pictures)

Last summer I watched Alex Newall and Aisha Jackson perform “When You Believe” at a Broadway Sings Whitney Houston event, and I was completely mesmerized. Although not my first live Alex Newall performance, it was then when I made up my mind saying, yup, Alex Newall can sing anything! Like the Once on This Island song says, “whatever you need, Mama will provide.” …Whatever role you need, whatever song, whatever character, Alex will provide! As far as The Wiz, the one who plays Evillene must, and I can’t stress this enough, must be a showstopper! Alex won’t be afraid to belt out lyrics and shake the crowd in fear, but in a grandiose, comical way. 

8. Joaquina Kalukango as Glinda

(Theo Wargo / Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions)(Hulton Archive / Getty Images)

For this role, I need someone with power. “Believe in Yourself” is meant to uplift and evoke emotion. The lyrics transcend the plot of The Wiz. It’s an anthem that everyone can relate to. That said, I need someone who can fill the theater with their voice. I need someone who can get a rise out of me. Someone who is able to ugly cry while delivering beautiful, long, dramatic notes. Someone who is just as stunning as they are raw and fearless, someone who will leave it all on stage and put their all into every word like… in Paradise Square‘s “Let It Burn.” What I’m saying is, I need Joaquina Kalukango as Glinda in the revival of The Wiz or I’m not coming. ? 

9. Natasha Yvette Williams as Aunt Em

(Walter McBride / Getty Images)(Universal Pictures)

I always get a warm feeling whenever I see Natasha Yvette Williams enter the stage. I know she’s about to take us home with whatever she does, whether Mama Morton in Chicago, Becky in Waitress, or Sweet Sue in Some Like It Hot. In my opinion, Aunt Em sets the tone for the musical, telling what the show is really about in her opening number. And I’m 100% positive that Williams will be able to deliver that stern, tough love that Dorothy is handed in the opening scene. Not to mention her belting technique and ability to hit extremely high and low notes (have you heard her sing “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess? I didn’t even know she could go up that high ?)! So yeah, when I think of the soulfulness in Natasha Yvette Williams’s voice, and the nurturing spirit she carries through tunes, I think, AUNT EM!

Who would you cast in Broadway’s The Wiz? Let me know in the comments.

Universal Pictures / Via giphy.com