Newcomer Nichelle Lewis to Lead 'The Wiz' Revival on Tour & Broadway!

The Wiz is heading back to Broadway in 2024, but first the musical will travel around the United States with nearly the full cast who will be seen in New York City!

It was just announced that newcomer Nichelle Lewis will lead the cast as Dorothy and she joined her co-stars for the first day of rehearsal on Monday (August 14) at Open Jar Studios in the Big Apple.

Director Schele Williams told the company at the rehearsal, “You are our dream come true. When you walk into the space, I want you to know that you belong here. I want you to take up space. I want you to be bold. I want you to be brave and fearless in exuding your Black excellence.”

Wayne Brady will play the Wiz on Broadway in the spring of 2024, as well as on the tour’s stops in San Francisco and Los Angeles in early 2024. The role will be played by Alan Mingo Jr. on all other tour stops.

The cast will also feature Deborah Cox as Glinda and Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, and Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow.

The tour launches in Baltimore, Maryland in September 2023.