Ease on Down the Road

The Wiz
, that groovy version of The Wizard of Oz, takes center stage this summer at New York City Center’s annual Encores! Summer Stars series. The show originally hit Broadway in 1974 with greats like Hinton Battle and Dee Dee Bridgewater in the leads, while the movie features legends Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. The show’s funky tunes like “Be a Lion,” “Home” and, of course, “Ease on Down the Road” became instant classics.

To keep that legacy intact this time around, the familiar tale will feature R&B singer Ashanti as diva Dorothy, with moves choreographed by Broadway golden-man Andy Blankenbuehler. Also keep your eyes out for ensemble member Will Wingfield from Season 4 of “So You Think You Can Dance.”  If you want to catch the Lion, Tin Man, Scarecrow and Toto, strap on your ruby shoes quickly; The Wiz only eases down the yellow brick road from June 12–July 5.