Started out okay but after 95 minutes, we had enough. We waited for the Wizard to show up but that was a big let down and we tuned out.
Staging and dancing was interesting but most vocals and orchestrations were thin - not nearly as good as the Broadway cast album from the 1970s. Stephanie Mills was fantastic in the lead role way back then and she really owns the role. She made a great Auntie Em this time around.
The costumes, sets and lighting were imaginative but above all, this production needed a much better Dorothy. She was too tall, too old, only a fair singer and hardly a dancer. The young woman always looked angry and has absolutely zero charisma.
Queen Latifah as the Wizard was an interesting choice but I was disappointed in the lack of energy she brought to the role.
Overall, this WIZ lacked the fun and charm of the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz".
I'll eventually try and find the closing rendition of "HOME" on line but probably won't be watching the inevitable rerun. Will not be buying the DVD.
Staging and dancing was interesting but most vocals and orchestrations were thin - not nearly as good as the Broadway cast album from the 1970s. Stephanie Mills was fantastic in the lead role way back then and she really owns the role. She made a great Auntie Em this time around.
The costumes, sets and lighting were imaginative but above all, this production needed a much better Dorothy. She was too tall, too old, only a fair singer and hardly a dancer. The young woman always looked angry and has absolutely zero charisma.
Queen Latifah as the Wizard was an interesting choice but I was disappointed in the lack of energy she brought to the role.
Overall, this WIZ lacked the fun and charm of the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz".
I'll eventually try and find the closing rendition of "HOME" on line but probably won't be watching the inevitable rerun. Will not be buying the DVD.