— Charles McNulty
Oct. 14, 2006
Oct. 14, 2006
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Interested in the performing arts?
The Los Angeles Times has replaced Calendarlive with a new and improved local entertainment site:
TheGuide.Latimes.com 
The Wiz
lajollaplayhouse.com
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Readers' rating: 
Reader reviews: Write a review | Read more reviews 
Tinman (Michael Benjamin Washington) meets up with Dorothy (Nikki M. James) and Scarecrow (Rashad Naylor) in Des McAnuff's La Jolla restaging.
Des McAnuff's multicultural revival re-imagines William F. Brown and Charlie Smalls' R&B version of "The Wizard of Oz" as a stunningly designed 21st century concert. Think of Oz as somewhere over the World Wide Web. Nikki M. James, a likable young performer, may not give Dorothy much distinctive personality, but her voice soars. Yet the production emphasizes electronics over emotions, and the political motifs that emerge lose sight of what made the original all-black Broadway production so groundbreaking.
Through Nov. 26, 2006 Sundays: 2 p.m. 7 p.m. Tuesdays: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays: 8 p.m. Fridays: 8 p.m. Saturdays: 2 p.m. 8 p.m. Price: $48-$72 Box office: 858-550-1010
Reader Reviews
November 26, 2006
Sylvania Carlsbad, CaMY 16 year old and I marveled alike at the staging, music and yet the timeless ideals THE WIZ embodies. THE CAST was wonderful, Horray! I have read some of the "critics" reviews that are not favorable due to the "technology greater than emotion" aspect of the play. I disagree. I think that is what brings it in to "the Now" with the timeless twist of yesterday that both my 49 year old heart enjoyed as well as the heart of my daughter! November 1, 2006
Jason "The Wiz" San Diego, CAThis was by far the best show l've laid my eyes on. My girlfriend from Chicago said it was even better than the original... and she's white!!! The soul was definitely there! It deservers a Tony Award although it didn't get me any action. November 1, 2006
Chris Stewart San Diego, CA I would have to agree with Mr. McNulty, The soul is missing from the wiz. The Wizard of Oz and the Wiz are on two total different plains. As a fan of the movie this play does not do the original any justice. The key elements that made the Wiz so great are not present in this new revival. However all is not lost there are some great actors that stand out and are able to carry the show. The Tinman the Lion, the Wiz and Evilene are stand out performances. Glenda brings it home with her stunning beauty and powerful pipes. To Conclude, keep working on it until you get it, You've got a chunk. Write a review | Read more reviews |
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