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As promised, I’m back with my review of Ashanti’s turn as Dorothy in the off-Broadway revival of ”The Wiz.” And guess what? She doesn’t suck. In fact, the R&B princess’ voice is stronger than I’ve ever heard it.
Ashanti stars as Dorothy in Broadway's "The Wiz."
Although the production itself feels a bit dated, the enthusiastic cast have fun with a timeless story and songs that will inspire you to ease on down memory lane. Tichina Arnold, best known for her roles on “Martin” and “Everybody Hates Chris” is a riveting, vocal powerhouse as the evil witch Evillene. And Dawnn Lewis from “A Different World” is delightful and sings superbly as loveably ditzy witch Addaperle.
Throughout the production — which also stars talented Tony winner LaChanze as Aunt Em and Glinda the Good Witch and comedic actor Orlando Jones as “The Wiz” (regrettably the musical’s weakest link) — dancers moon walk in a subtle salute to Michael Jackson, who starred in the screen version of “The Wiz” with Diana Ross. My biggest qualm is that Ashanti, perhaps intimidated by comparisons to Stephanie Mills’ tear-jerking rendition, rushes through the anthemic closing song, “Home.”
The limited run of “The Wiz” closes Sunday, July 5. So follow the yellow brick road to New York City Center if you’re in the Big Apple during the holiday weekend. Tickets start at a recession-friendly $25.
Image credit: Bauer-Griffin