The U.S. national tour of “The Wiz” is set to play at the Eisenhower Auditorium on October 22.

The cast features finalists and winners from both “American Idol” and “The Voice.”

“The Wiz” is based on L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and reimagines the story through the lens of Black culture, music, and joy. “The Wiz” premiered on Broadway in 1975 and was an instant hit, later winning seven Tony Awards before closing on Broadway in 1979.

After a long hiatus, “The Wiz” national tour launched in Baltimore in 2023, where it originally premiered in 1974. It then returned to Broadway in April 2024 for a short run, closing in August 2024.

This updated touring revival features fresh choreography, an updated script, and a brand-new cast. Emmy-nominated writer Amber Ruffin has also modernized the book and updated some of the material and dialogue.

Leading the company on this revival tour is:

• Gabby Samone (Dorothy), American Idol Season 23 finalist
• Bryan Demond (The Wiz), international vocalist and actor
• Toni Lorene Baker (Glinda), The Voice Season 28 contestant
• April Renee Moye (Aunt Em/Evilene), multi-award-winning gospel record artist
• Jose E. Figueroa Jr. (Scarecrow), The Voice Season 20 Live Playoff contestant
• Jaelen Spellman (Tinman)
• Asher HaVon (Lion), The Voice Season 25 winner

“The Wiz” plays on Thursday, October 22, at 7 p.m. in the Eisenhower Auditorium on campus.

Folks can call the Arts Ticket Center at 814-863-0255 or visit the Center for Performing Arts website for more information.

About the Author