A staple in Black culture and musicals makes its way back to the forefront as 2026 ushers in a new year. “The Wiz,” based on L. Frank Baum’s children’s book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” transforms one of America’s most prominent American stories into an all-Black-led musical experience, offering a twist to the standard of an all-typically-white cast.
Arriving in Costa Mesa for the first time, the Tony Award-winning musical is produced by the likes of singer-songwriter and Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker, Kristin Caskey, Mike Issacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, Ambassador Theatre Group, and Networks Presentations, who are bringing the show to life.
The tour begins Jan. 13-15 and will last for two weeks.
Dana Cimone (Dorothy) spoke to Our Weekly about her performance and hopes the younger audience will take something away from the extravaganza.
“Performing in the show is incredible, and doing it every week allows me to discover new aspects to portray to the audience, connecting them to my real life. I like to tell people every week when I’m performing, especially when I’m singing the song ‘Home,’ that every thought and every emotion you see is real,” said Cimone.
She continued, “I think younger theatergoers will understand that only they know what’s best for them, and only they know where ‘home’ is. “Home” could be a person, it could be a thought, or it could be an actual place—and you will meet people along the way in your life, people that might not end up staying in your life, but they’re teaching you valuable lessons along the way to shape you and mold you into a beautiful person.
The leading cast includes Dana Cimone, making her national tour debut, as Dorothy, Alan Mingo Jr., returning to the role he originated on the pre-Broadway tour and played on Broadway as “The Wiz,” also making their national tour debuts, Sheherazade as Glinda and Kyla Jade as Aunt Em/Evillene, D. Jerome (“MJ the Musical,” “Hamilton”) as the Tin Man, Cal Mitchell (“The White Rose,” “The Color Purple”) as the Lion and Elijah Ahmad Lewis (“Ain’t Too Proud,” “Motown The Musical”) as the Scarecrow.
The culturally forward twist on “The Wizard of Oz” transformed Broadway through aspects such as its legendary score loaded with the genres of 70s funk, rock, gospel, and soul to govern the illustrious tale of Dorothy’s whimsical path to find her true place in a contemporary world.
Most audiences know key stars who have contributed to the role of the Wiz himself, such as Richard Pryor, Andre De Shields, and Wayne Brady, but Alan Mingo Jr. made sure to study, as this is his third professional portrayal of the Wiz.
“I’d say that my version of “WIZ” is sort of like Samuel L. Jackson meets Willy Wonka with a punch of RuPaul.” Mingo Jr. also spoke about how the musical is a complete reflection of the times, offering inspiration to guests on how they perceive the story as the modern-day struggle that many can relate to, especially the Black community.
He expressed that the director tasked him with focusing on the Wiz character not having a redeeming quality, as she sought to teach her daughters that oftentimes adults—people in the “real world”—lie and don’t deliver on their promises, in order to prepare them for adulthood.
He also emphasized that his character is a metaphor for how some people can perceive the current administration as saying one thing but doing another. “It’s much deeper than just remaking The Wizard of Oz. This story is one of America’s biggest folklores. When this musical first came out, it was very political. The character who played the Cowardly Lion was considered all politicians. The yellow brick road was considered industry, and the Scarecrow was considered to represent the farmers and the struggles they’re going through. It had a very political meaning back then.”
The Wiz made its original debut in 1975 and became a critically acclaimed staple, receiving seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score, amongst many. Three years later a film adaptation emerged starring legendary acts such as Diana Ross, Richard Pryor, Mabel King, Lena Horne, Ted Ross, Quincy Jones, and Michael Jackson.
D. Jerome, who is playing the Tin Man role and expressed his excitement. “Having been able to be a part of “Hamilton” and “MJ, the Musical,” the skills that I picked up from working in the industry in those roles have added a lot to my experience now. I am excited to bring all of the tools in my tool belt to this role of Tin Man.”
Ticket prices for “The Wiz” are available for online purchase at scfta.org and start at $44. Tickets are also available in person at 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, and by phone at 714-556-2787.
