Frank's Review of "The Wiz"

By Frank Leon Roberts ~ Last night I saw The Wiz. Let me begin by answering the question that's on everyone's mind: "How was Ashanti?" Honestly, she was excellent. I would say that she was slightly better than "good" but less than "fabulous." But one thing is for certain: this was not the thin-voiced pop singer I've grown accustomed to hearing on the radio. After listening to that disastrous you-tube clip of “Home" last week, I was expecting the absolute worst. But I left the theatre a changed man. Ashanti's vocals were full, powerful, and soaked in deep Gospel overtones. Though I was not overjoyed by her rendition of “Home” last night, it was still better than the youtube version. And her interpretations of “Be a Lion” and “Soon as I Get Home” made up for any perceived deficiency in the “Home” number. In fact, her rendition of “Be a Lion” was the best that I have ever heard (I’d actually place it above Stephanie Mills' version, and definitely above Diana Ross’s). As an ensemble cast, The Wiz is exceptional. Joshua Henry delivers a brilliant portrayal of The Tinman. His rendition of “What Would I Do If I Could Feel?” (a song that I never really cared for before) was the best male vocal of the evening. It nearly brought tears to my eyes. Henry’s voice is saturated with a deep, dramatic baritone timbre that reminds me of Brian Stokes Mitchell (or Jesse Martin). James Monroe Iglehart and Orlando Jones delivered solid performances as The Lion and The Wiz. Christian Dante White also made a pretty good “Scarecrow” though I was disappointed by the producer’s decision to stick to the original Broadway score and not include “You Cant Win” (the memorable track that appears in the film version of the show, written by Quincy Jones .) And then, of course, there’s Dawnn Lewis, Tichina Arnold, and veteran Broadway diva LaChanze. Not surprisingly, these three ladies were brilliant in every imaginable way. LaChanze’s renditions of “The Feeling We Once Had” and “Believe in Yourself” left shivers down my spine. Overall, I recommend The Wiz enthusiastically. Though it is certainly not a perfect production (and will need to be further revised, expanded and developed if and when it hits the Broadway mainstage) it left me absolutely satisfied. Go out and buy your tickets today!