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The Wiz at Keller Auditorium in Portland: A Joy-Filled Broadway Experience You Don’t Want to Miss
 FEBRUARY 3 – 8, 2026

Every once in a while, a Broadway tour comes through Portland that reminds you exactly why you fell in love with live theater in the first place — and The Wiz, now playing at the Keller Auditorium, is absolutely one of those shows. From the moment the lights go down, the entire theater fills with energy, color, and music that instantly pulls you into the story. It’s vibrant, soulful, uplifting, and honestly just plain fun from beginning to end. This isn’t simply another retelling of The Wizard of Oz. The Wiz transforms the familiar story into something bold, joyful, and deeply emotional, blending powerful vocals, electrifying choreography, stunning lighting, and a cast that brings incredible personality to every moment on stage. Whether you grew up loving the original or are experiencing the story in this format for the first time, this production feels fresh, exciting, and incredibly engaging — the kind of Broadway experience that leaves audiences smiling long after the final curtain call.

A Fresh, Joyful Take on a Classic Story

Most of us already know the storyline: Dorothy is swept away into the magical land of Oz, where she begins a journey to find her way home while meeting companions who believe they are missing something — a brain, a heart, and courage. What makes The Wiz so special is how it reimagines that familiar story through soul, gospel, funk, and contemporary theatrical energy, making the journey feel modern, powerful, and deeply emotional all at once. This production balances nostalgia with fresh staging beautifully, honoring the legacy of the original while adding updated movement, vibrant design elements, and modern theatrical pacing that keeps audiences fully engaged from beginning to end.

The Performers: Vocals, Personality, and Heart

One of the biggest strengths of this touring production is the cast, and each performer brings their own memorable personality to the stage.

Dana Cimone as Dorothy
Dana Cimone delivers a warm, authentic performance that anchors the entire show. She brings both vulnerability and strength to the role, making Dorothy feel relatable while still carrying the emotional weight of the story. When she performs the iconic number “Home,” the emotional depth of her voice fills the theater and creates one of the most powerful moments of the evening.

Elijah Ahmad Lewis as the Scarecrow
Elijah Ahmad Lewis is pure joy to watch. His physical comedy, expressive movement, and playful energy make every scene he appears in instantly brighter. His performance feels effortless, yet the athleticism required for the choreography is incredibly impressive.

D. Jerome as the Tinman
D. Jerome brings humor and heart in equal measure. His movements are cleverly stylized to reflect the mechanical nature of the character while still allowing him to express emotion and comedic timing that consistently earns laughs from the audience.

Mykal Kilgore as the Lion
Mykal Kilgore delivers a charismatic and entertaining performance filled with humor, personality, and moments of genuine vulnerability. His portrayal reminds audiences that courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s showing up anyway.

Alan Mingo Jr. as The Wiz
Alan Mingo Jr. commands the stage with larger-than-life confidence and theatrical flair, bringing both humor and dramatic presence to the role and creating memorable moments whenever he appears.

Sheherazade as Glinda
Sheherazade radiates warmth and elegance, guiding Dorothy with a calming, uplifting presence while delivering strong vocals that add emotional depth to the production.

Kyla Jade as Aunt Em / Evillene
Kyla Jade showcases remarkable vocal power and dramatic range, portraying two completely different characters that both leave a lasting impression and demonstrate her impressive versatility.

Choreography That Keeps the Stage Moving

The choreography in The Wiz is nothing short of electric. My favorite part was the tornado – the performers literally embodied that of a ferocious tornado with body and movement that showed power and strength. 

The ensemble numbers are packed with movement, rhythm, and precision, transforming the stage into a constantly evolving visual experience. The choreography blends classic Broadway storytelling with modern movement styles, giving the show a fresh pulse that feels exciting and current. Of course, one of the most iconic moments — “Ease on Down the Road” — becomes a true highlight, filled with joyful energy, playful staging, and the kind of feel-good atmosphere that makes audiences want to dance along in their seats.

Lighting, Sets, and Visual Design

Visually, the production is stunning. The lighting design plays a major role in shaping the emotional tone of each scene, shifting seamlessly from warm, welcoming moments to dramatic, high-energy sequences that make the world of Oz feel magical and alive. The scenic design leans toward a modern theatrical aesthetic rather than a literal recreation, allowing the story and performances to remain the central focus while still delivering bold visual moments that enhance the journey. The Keller Auditorium stage provides the perfect scale for the production, allowing the choreography, ensemble, and staging elements to fully shine without ever feeling crowded.

The Music: Soulful, Powerful, and Unforgettable

The music in The Wiz remains one of the most beloved scores in Broadway history, and this production does it full justice. From uplifting ensemble numbers to emotional solo performances, the vocals throughout the show are powerful, soulful, and filled with heart. The musical arrangements feel vibrant and contemporary while still honoring the classic sound audiences know and love. The combination of gospel, funk, and Broadway styling creates an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

Why You Should See The Wiz in Portland

Whether you are a longtime fan of the musical or experiencing it for the first time, The Wiz at Keller Auditorium delivers an uplifting Broadway experience that feels joyful, inspiring, and thoroughly entertaining. It’s the kind of show that leaves audiences smiling as they walk out of the theater — energized by the music, impressed by the performances, and reminded of the timeless message at the center of the story: everything you need has been inside you all along. With standout performances, visually striking production design, high-energy choreography, and unforgettable music, this touring production proves why The Wiz continues to be one of the most celebrated musicals in Broadway history.

Tickets are available online at www.BroadwayinPortland.com

The Wiz is one of those shows — a dazzling, feel-good theatrical celebration packed with heart, humor, and powerhouse talent. If you’re planning your next Portland theater night, this is absolutely one production you won’t want to miss. It’s joyful, visually stunning, and filled with the kind of energy that reminds you why Broadway touring productions continue to be such an unforgettable live experience.