Actor André de Shields, who originated the title role in the Broadway musical The Wiz, will reprise that role—sort of—as the special guest star in WOZ: A Rock Cabaret.
The show, which revisits The Wizard of Oz using ’80s and ’90s power ballads and rock anthems, was conceived by Kimberly Lawson and William S. Rogers and first performed last spring at Davenport’s, followed by a brief remount at Victory Gardens. That's where WOZ will return this summer for five performances July 14–17, with De Shields joining the cast as the Wizard.
Also featured are Lawson as Dorothy, Heather Currie as the Wicked Witch, Clara D’Onofrio as Glinda, Edward Fraim as the Lion, James Nedrud as the Tin Man, Kevin Webb as the Scarecrow and David Lipschutz and Sarah Wurz as Munchkins and Winkie Soldiers. Scott Gryder directs, with music direction by Nick Sula.
Tickets, priced at $40, are available now.