A Chronicle Family Review of The Wiz at Wharton Center for the Performing Arts-Ease on Down the Road, Together
- Yanice Y. Carter
- 24 hours ago
- 2 min read
Seeing The Wiz live at the Wharton Center was pure joy from start to finish.
From the moment the curtain rose, the energy in the room was electric. The costumes were bold and stunning, the music was infectious, and the performances pulled the audience right in. This was not a show you quietly watched. This was a show you felt.
I attended with my son Liam, and we truly had the best time. I found myself singing along to nearly every song I knew from the film, and as I looked around the theater, I wasn’t alone. People were smiling, swaying, singing softly from their seats, and even dancing a little in place. There was never a dull moment.
What made the experience especially meaningful was watching it through Liam’s eyes. He asked thoughtful questions throughout the performance, curious about the story, the characters, and how everything worked together. His favorite character was the Scarecrow, drawn to his high energy, humor, and movement. Seeing him connect so deeply reminded me of how powerful live theater can be for young audiences.
Pre-Broadway Production of THE WIZ, featuring Deborah Cox as Glinda & Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy in He's The Wiz. Photo by Jeremy Daniel, ©2023.
This revival of The Wiz does something special. It seamlessly blends the old with the new, honoring the heart and charm of the original while evolving with the times. The choreography felt fresh and dynamic, the visuals were imaginative, and the storytelling remained rooted in the themes that have always made The Wiz timeless: courage, identity, friendship, and finding your way home.
The show never loses its soul. Instead, it amplifies it.
For Liam, this was a treat. For me, it was both nostalgic and refreshing. I loved it so much I could easily watch it again and again. The Wiz reminds us why stories centered in Black joy, creativity, and imagination matter, especially when shared across generations.
Two thumbs up. This is a must-see for families, theater lovers, and anyone ready to rejoice.
Press access provided courtesy of Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Reviews and opinions are independent and reflect The Chronicle’s authentic audience experience. The Chronicle Media Group extends sincere appreciation to Wharton Center for its continued commitment to arts education, family programming, and community partnerships that uplift storytelling across Mid-Michigan.
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