Common and MC Lyte have signed on as co-producers in the all-new, Broadway-bound production of The Wiz, Deadline reports.
The Wiz launches a national tour in Baltimore on September 23, and will play a limited Broadway engagement this spring, though dates have not yet been announced for the Broadway run.
Common, who is only a Tony Award win away from reaching EGOT status, said he's grateful to be a part of the classic production.
“I am so blessed to be part of this production ofThe Wiz,” said Common. “Theatre has always affected me in a way that reaches my soul and spirit, in some measure because I didn’t realize as a kid that I could dream big enough to be part of it. This is a true dream come true as one of my favorite movies growing up wasThe Wiz. My only hope is that this production can inspire someone else to chase their dreams and create their art.”
As for MC Lyte, the Hip-Hop legend said The Wiz has always held a special place for her, and she's excited about the production.
“It is my greatest pleasure to have the opportunity to serve as an investor in this historic production ofThe Wiz.Having grown up watching all of the Broadway musicals in the ’70s and ’80s,The Wiz has always been a favorite of mine," she said. "Now, as a co-producer, I’m honored to be able to partner behind the scenes and with communities nationwide to help make this production an artistic and memorable treasure for future generations.”
The Broadway cast will include Wayne Brady, who will also lead the production as the Wiz in San Francisco (January 16 – February 11, 2024) and Los Angeles (February 13 – March 3, 2024). Alan Mingo Jr. will star in the role in Baltimore, Cleveland, Washington, DC, Pittsburgh, Charlotte, Atlanta, Greenville, SC, Chicago, Des Moines, Tempe and San Diego. Nichelle Lewis will star as Dorothy, singer Deborah Cox will play Glinda, and Melody A. Betts will star as as Aunt Em and Evillene. Kyle Ramar Freeman will star as the Lion, while Phillip Johnson Richardson will play the Tinman, and Avery Wilson will star as the Scarecrow.
Comedienne Amber Ruffin wrote additional material for the production.
