In the vibrant world of Broadway, the question "Is Amber Ruffin in The Wiz?" has been on the lips of many theater enthusiasts. As of now, Amber Ruffin is not performing on stage in the traditional sense in "The Wiz," but her creative touch is deeply ingrained in the production.
Amber Ruffin, known for her work in stand - up, sketch performances, and as a writer, has been involved in providing additional material for the reimagined 2024 Broadway revival of "The Wiz." This revival is set to breathe new life into the beloved musical that first took the world by storm.
The Wiz, a black - led, music - infused spin on "The Wizard of Oz," has a rich history. The original production, which opened on Broadway in 1975 at the Majestic Theatre, won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Direction of a Musical. It ran for four years, with a total of 1,672 performances and even transferred to the Broadway Theatre. Over the years, it has featured notable names like André DeShields, Phylicia Rashad, Mabel King, Grace Jones, LaChanze, Colman Domingo, Orlando Jones, and Ashanti.
The 2024 revival, helmed by director Schele Williams, is a highly anticipated event. Williams, who has a deep connection to "The Wiz" as she stated, "I wouldn't be on Broadway if it wasn't for The Wiz. The music, the costumes, the choreography and Stephanie Mills! Seeing that show changed my life. It is, in every way, a celebration of black excellence. I am honored to helm this production and I can't think of a better time to tell this story."
Amber Ruffin's involvement in adding new material to the show is significant. Her creative input is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the classic tale. Although she's not on stage, her contributions are a part of the show's fabric. When asked about not being in the spotlight, she jokes, "Oh, I'm performing — in the audience." She further shares her awe for the cast, which includes Wayne Brady as the Wiz, Deborah Cox as Glinda, and newcomer Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy. Ruffin says, "To sit in the audience where those people melt your face every night... they're simply the best singers on the planet, and it makes listening to the radio hard. They are so good at singing, so I'm pretty quiet nowadays."
The new production also features choreography by Jaquel Knight, making his Broadway debut. Knight, famous for his iconic work on Beyoncé's "Single Ladies" and "Formation," and Megan Thee Stallion's "Body," brings his unique style to the musical. The show uses the classic book by William F. Brown and the Tony - winning score by Charlie Smalls, with famous songs such as "Ease on Down the Road" and "Home." Music supervision, orchestrations, and music arrangements are by Joseph Joubert.
Before hitting Broadway, the show will embark on a national tour starting in the fall of 2023. It will kick off in Baltimore at the Hippodrome Theatre, the same city where the original Tony - winning production had its world premiere in 1974.
So, while Amber Ruffin isn't a performer on stage in "The Wiz," her role in shaping the new version of this classic musical is integral. As the revival gears up to make its mark on Broadway, audiences can look forward to experiencing a new take on "The Wiz" with Ruffin's creative influence subtly woven into the fabric of the show.