‘The Wiz’ @ Theatre Arlington
—Jan Farrington
Theatre provides many different pleasures: the excitement of catching a brand-new show, or “discovering” an actor whose talent blows you away. But there’s also the joy of the familiar, the “Hello, there” happiness of having much-loved classic characters brought to life (again!) in an especially vivid way—making you remember why you fell in love with them in the first place.
Theatre Arlington’s production of the 1975 musical The Wiz, directed with heart and yes, soul by Sasha Maya Ada, has that kind of joy, Hello, Dorothy, hello Scarecrow and Tin Man and “scaredy cat” Lion—you’re still going strong. Hello Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, the ones Dorothy longs to come home to. And hello to some characters who give The Wiz its special vibe: bad witch Evillene, glam witch Addaperle (Glinda’s little sister), the funky Monkeys and the strutting-their-stuff parade of Oz fashionistas.
This Tony-winning adaptation of Frank L. Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is infused with Black street lingo and a smart sense of humor. Of course I remembered many of songwriter Charlie Smalls’ numbers (“Ease on Down the Road” is a true earworm), but had forgotten how genuinely funny the script is. Lots of laughs on that road to Oz, courtesy of playwright William Brewer.
Dorothy, played by lively TCU musical theatre talent Kayla Haskins, is discontented and grumpy girl at being sent to live with relatives, and feels like a fish out of water. Aunt Em (Kris Black Jasper) is exasperated by her moods, but tells her she believes they can re-capture “The Feeling We Once Had.” A tornado (swirling dancers who carry Dorothy off, a good effect by choreographer Avery-Jai Andrews) changes the plan, landing her in the mysterious land of Oz.
In order, she meets three new companions: the Scarecrow (Maxton Rhys Sims, whose lanky, lurching physically and big smile get the point across well: he thinks he has hay for brains), the Tin Man (Zachary J. Willis, who gives a master class in stage physicality with his jerking, off-balance movements as the newly-oiled metal man; he makes the most of every second on stage, and is charming to boot), and the Lion (ChristiönDior Draper wears gold chains and a velvet jacket, has all the moves, but can’t get over his essential jitters). All are strong singers, with Draper’s rich baritone and Willis’ clear light voice being special treats.
Dorothy’s Kansas house (as you probably know well) lands on the Wicked Witch of the East—and all that’s left of her are her stockings and a pair of silver slippers. “I’d know those tacky pantyhose anywhere,” says pink and glittery witch Addaperle (a wonderfully lively Noelle Saul, a singing talent to watch). Eventually, they encounter The Wiz, who is not glad to see them (Jayden Russell in a very Michael Jackson-ish outfit with jazzed-up epaulettes from costume designer Hope Cox, who’s array of outfits is eye-popping), the villainous Evillene (Theresa Stuckey, who makes the point—at top volume—that Evillene wants “No Bad News”), and the elegant Glinda (Janette Robinson), who at just the right moment tells each of the seekers to “Believe in Yourself”—and you’ll find that the power to make things happen was always inside you. Dorothy clicks those silver slippers and presto, she’s back in the welcoming arms of Aunt Em and Uncle Henry (Tyrone King is a sweet fatherly presence).
Music director Joe Rogers and sound designer Ryan Simon keep music and dialogue in fine trim, and there’s lots of good stuff to see courtesy of inventive set designer Bryan Stevenson and scenic painter Sydney Dormire. Big cast, big production team—and kudos to all.
And now, I will go put “Ease on Down the Road” on my playlist. Might as well: it’s playing in my head anyway. Frank L. Baum and Judy Garland might be a bit surprised by this show—but I expect they would get into the fun pretty fast. Thanks for bringing it around again, TA!
WHEN: June 5-21, 2026
WHERE: TA, 305 W. Main Street, Arlington
WEB: theatrearlington.org
