(18 Apr 2024)
ASSOCIATED PRESS
New York – 17 April 2024
1. Wide shot of cast
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Wayne Brady, actor:
“It’s more than just someone saying, ‘oh, well, listen, that just the, just the Black version of the Wizard Wizard of Oz.’ I mean, it’s a retelling, but it’s a retelling through a cultural lens, through something that is inclusive as well. Just because it’s through our cultural lens doesn’t mean that it’s just for certain people. This is our story, our language, our music, but for everyone to enjoy and that’s amazing.”
3. Various of Nichelle Lewis posing
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Nichelle Lewis, actor:
“It just feels life changing. It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, is just inspire people and help people realize that they can be up there too, no matter what they look like, no matter who they are, no matter where they come from. So to be able to even hear people tell me like ‘this was everything I needed. I’m so grateful for you just representing us up there.’ That has touched me in ways I can’t even explain.”
5. Various of Stephanie Mills
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Stephanie Mills, actor:
“Back in 1975. First of all, I must pay homage to Judy Garland because as a little girl, I watched it every Easter. So in 1975, when I got a chance to play the role, I was elated. But I never thought in a million years – – I’m 67 now — that I would be back watching The Wiz 49 years later. So it’s wonderful.”
7. Various of Common
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Common, recording artist:
“The film like it was one of the first films that I ever fell in love with. The Wiz, like, I mean, it was everything for me. Like I listened to the album over and over because of the film. It has some of my favorite artists, musicians, talents ever, like Richard Pryor, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, like Diana Ross. Come on, it was like it was full of the greats. And then now I’m getting to be a producer on this, this play is amazing for me. This is like, for me to be a kid and know how much I loved The Wiz. And now to be here, seeing it on Broadway. And for me to be a producer is amazing.”
AP VIDEO SHOT BY: Aron Ranen
PRODUCTION: John Carucci
STORYLINE:
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