The Wiz Live!
The Wiz Live!

The Wiz Live!

2015Movie111 minEnglish

Winner of 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The Wiz was a massive Broadway hit which spawned a dismal feature film starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Executive Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron have assembled a Tony-winning creative team, the imaginative Cirque du Soleil Theatrical and a diverse cast of showstoppers designed to create an eye-popping new take on the musical unlike anything ever seen.

Read Reviews

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes88%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users88%
Director: Kenny Leon, Matthew DiamondGenres: Musical, Fantasy, Family

Plot Summary

A television special adaptation of the 1974 Broadway musical, 'The Wiz,' which is a soulful retelling of L. Frank Baum's 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.' Dorothy Gale, a young woman from Kansas, is magically transported to the magical land of Oz. She embarks on a journey down the yellow brick road with her new friends – the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion – in hopes of finding the Wizard who can help her return home.

Critical Reception

The Wiz Live! received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its energetic performances, vibrant visuals, and modernization of the classic story. While some noted minor pacing issues, the overall consensus was that it was a successful and entertaining live television musical event that honored its source material while bringing it to a new generation.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its impressive cast and energetic musical numbers.
  • Applauded for its visually stunning set design and modern interpretation.
  • Noted as a successful and engaging live television musical event.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly enjoyed 'The Wiz Live!', highlighting the stellar performances, particularly from Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah, and the vibrant, modern aesthetic. Many viewers found it to be a faithful and enjoyable adaptation that successfully captured the spirit of the original musical.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Music Direction and Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, and Video Handling.

Fun Fact

The production team utilized a rotating stage for the Emerald City sequence, allowing for seamless transitions between different scenes and visual effects, adding a dynamic element to the live broadcast.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review