The Wiz Live!

The Wiz Live! is a vivacious and exuberant rendition of a classic tale, made remarkable by a star studded lineup of phenomenal performers including Common, Amber Riley, Uzo Aduba, among others. A bold and dynamic take on L. Frank Baum's timeless story, The Wiz Live! reimagines 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' from a contemporary, urban, and African American perspective, breathing new life into a traditional narrative.

Produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, and directed by the gifted Kenny Leon, The Wiz Live! brings an imaginative and stirring musical theatre production right into the viewer's living room. It premiered on NBC on December 3, 2015, and was met with widespread acclaim for its spectacular visuals, powerful performances, and the inventive rendition of a beloved tale. It marked NBC's third production for its nascent tradition of doing live musicals during the holiday season.

At the core of this stunning musical, lies the journey of Dorothy, portrayed brilliantly by Shanice Williams, a young woman residing in Kansas. After a tornado whisks her and her loyal dog Toto, off to the magical Land of Oz, Dorothy finds herself lost and eager to get back home.

Common brilliantly fills the role of the "Bouncer," or the Gatekeeper of Oz, lending a tough but compassionate demeanor to this character who serves as Dorothy's initial hurdle in entering the Emerald City. His performance is mesmerizing and commanding, shifting seamlessly between intimidation and charm.

Amber Riley, best known for her role on the TV show Glee, shines radiantly as Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North. She brings a delightful mix of humor and wisdom to the role these attributes being more than a match for any evil witches that may lurk in Oz. Her robust vocal chops lift the musical score to great heights, leaving an indelible impact on the viewers.

Uzo Aduba, popular for her portrayal of 'Crazy Eyes' in Orange is the New Black, steps in as the Glinda, the Good Witch of the South. Her powerful dramatic talents and stunning vocals breathe life into this character, and her imparting of wisdom in the pivotal finale is a moving and heart-wrenching moment in the production.

Dorothy is aided on her way by Scarecrow, Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, each with their unique quirks yet united in their longing to attain what they lack – brains, heart, and courage respectively. This motley crew navigates their way through a series of enchanting and often treacherous landscapes, meeting a colorful range of characters along the way. Their journey culminates in their encounter with the mysterious Wiz, an event that changes their lives forever.

The Wiz Live! is a beautiful showcase of elements that make a musical truly stand out – a solid storyline, memorable songs, high-energy dance routines, and characters that resonate with viewers. It is laudable for its empowering representation of diversity, depicting the characters and the world of Oz in a manner that accords with contemporary sensibilities, without deviating from the heart of the original narrative.

William F. Brown's script and Charlie Smalls' music and lyrics drive this production's creditability. The stage production is a faithful adaptation of the Broadway musical 'The Wiz' which debuted in 1975, and served as a breakthrough for African American actors and artists on Broadway.

The cinematographic elements of The Wiz Live! are nothing less than mesmerizing – from the tornado that transports Dorothy into this other world, to the designs of the Munchkinland, Yellow Brick Road, and the Emerald City – every visual detail is crafted with thoughtful precision and creative imagination.

In the end, The Wiz Live! is more than a re-imagination of 'The Wizard of Oz.' It's a testament to the power of dreams, friendship, and the search for one's identity. It's a tale that touches every viewer’s heart and lights up the small screen with its pizazz and energy. All these factors contribute to making it a televisual treat not to be missed. Whether one is a staunch Broadway enthusiast or a casual viewer looking for a good musical, The Wiz Live! is a beautiful blend of old and new, tradition and innovation – a spectacle of visual and auditory delights, staged and presented in an unforgettable manner.