Frank's Review of "The Wiz"
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!
-FLR
*Special thank you to Kevin Reed for inviting me to the show. You made a believer out of me!*
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!
-FLR
*Special thank you to Kevin Reed for inviting me to the show. You made a believer out of me!*
Thank you for such an honest and insightful review of "The Wiz".
Now I really want to make the trip to NYC to see it.
Posted by
Anonymous |
6/14/2009
Frank, thanks for this glowing review. I blogged about my apprehension about Ashanti in the main role a couple of weeks ago. However, I value your artistic opinion and this post puts me at ease for July 2nd when I will see the show.
Posted by
Mr. Herring |
6/14/2009
Frank your review was about the same as the way I felt when I left the theater....Ashanti was great! I was so surprised. As I have been saying she must have been working with the worst producers because she has a nice clear voice. I guess she just needed the right people to pull it out of her. I thought her acting was okay but I'm sure with more performances she will feel a lot more comfortable on stage. The cast was fabulous and the cheorgraphy was amazing. PLEASE PEOPLE CHECK THIS OUT YOU WIlL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!
Posted by
Neicy |
6/15/2009
I'm pretty sure somewhere after "Concrete Rose" flopped she got vocal lessons.
INTENSE vocal lessons. I remember sitting around during her singing of the Star Spangled banner I think last Spring and waiting to fidget awkwardly in anticipation of her terrible singing but besides screwing up a few notes, she sounded pretty decent then.
Posted by
Christopher |
6/17/2009
I'm flying in for pride next week and I've already got a ticket for next Friday night. I'm glad to hear it's a good production.
Posted by
Freeleo |
6/19/2009
yo frankie u know who it is CJ...
i think i added ya on the myspace but im not sure.
www.myspace.com/blackstorm610
Posted by
Mr. American Dream |
7/05/2009
I saw "The Wiz" with Stephanie Mills. It is so hard to imagine Ashanti tackling such a vocally demanding role.
Although I believe that this production of "The Wiz" is bankable, Ashanti can't touch Stephanie and the entire production hinges on the lead role.
Dr. Roberts, if Ashanti's "Home" didn't send a shiver down your spine, (as Stephanie's did mine!)then you were robbed of a true Theatrical experience!
Posted by
TORY |
8/04/2009