Wayne Brady to depart 'The Wiz' on Broadway; Alan Mingo Jr. to join
Mingo, who is currently part of the musical's ensemble and played Brady's part on the national tour, will step into the title role full-time beginning in June.
Alan Mingo Jr. will step into the title role of The Wiz on Broadway this summer, replacing original cast member Wayne Brady in the title role. Brady plays his final performance in the show at the Marquis Theatre on June 12.
"The Wiz is more than a Broadway show, it’s a legacy," Brady said in a statement. "Growing up, I’ve always loved musicals, but seeing The Wiz was the first time I saw a cast with people who looked like us. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to work on such an exciting revival with this creative team and cast, and I’m grateful to return to the Broadway community."
Mingo first played The Wiz in multiple cities of the production's pre-Broadway national tour in 2023-24, and he currently performs in the show's ensemble.
"I’m thrilled to return to playing The Wiz," Mingo Jr. said in a statement. "My mother took me to see this musical when I was a child, and there aren’t many shows you can say that about."
Back on Broadway for its second revival, the Tony Award-winning 1974 musical The Wiz is an all-Black retelling of The Wizard of Oz. The show infuses the classic story with a celebration of Black music, dance, and culture.
The Wiz features a book by William F. Brown and a Tony Award-winning score by Charlie Smalls. Tony Award nominee Amber Ruffin contributed new material for this revival, which is directed by Schele Williams and choreographed by JaQuel Knight.
The Broadway cast also includes Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, Deborah Cox as Glinda, Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em/Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as Tinman, and Avery Wilson as Scarecrow.
Photo credit: Wayne Brady and Alan Mingo Jr. in The Wiz. (Photos by Jeremy Daniel)
Frequently asked questions
What is The Wiz on Broadway about?
Take the yellow brick road to the landmark Wizard of Oz musical adaptation, on Broadway for the first time since its 1975 premiere. The show gives a makeover to the classic story, turning it into an extravagant celebration of Black culture with songs by Charlie Smalls.
Where is The Wiz on Broadway playing?
The Wiz on Broadway is playing at Marquis Theatre. The theatre is located at 1535 Broadway (between 45th and 46th Street), New York, 10036.
How long is The Wiz on Broadway?
The running time of The Wiz on Broadway is 2hr 20min. Incl. 15min intermission.
What's the age requirement for The Wiz on Broadway?
The recommended age for The Wiz on Broadway is Ages 8+. Children under 4 are not permitted in the theater..
How do you book tickets for The Wiz on Broadway?
Book tickets for The Wiz on Broadway on New York Theatre Guide.
Who wrote The Wiz?
Tony Award winner William F. Brown wrote the book for The Wiz on Broadway, and Charlie Smalls wrote the songs. Amber Ruffin wrote additional material for this revival, and the song "Everybody Rejoice," by Luther Vandross, also features.
Who directed The Wiz?
Schele Williams is the director of The Wiz. She's also represented on Broadway in spring 2024 with The Notebook.
What are the songs in The Wiz?
Tony Award winner Charlie Smalls wrote the music and lyrics for The Wiz. Some of the show's hits include "Ease On Down the Road," "Believe in Yourself," and "Be A Lion."
Is The Wiz appropriate for kids?
The Wiz is a great family-friendly show that, at its heart, is about friendship and believing in oneself, and it is based on the child-appropriate source material of The Wizard of Oz.
Is The Wiz good?
Yes — The Wiz's first Broadway run won seven Tony Awards and remains a landmark show in theatre history. It's a musical filled with immense talent, a heartwarming story, and exciting song and dance numbers. The Wiz is a timelessly excellent show for all ages.
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