Times may be hard, but there is still joy to be found, even after a long week. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a moment of emotional release. Welcome to Playbill's Feel Good Friday feature.
As The Wiz musical eases on back to Broadway March 29, the cast caught a bit of "So You Wanted to Meet the Wizard" from the rehearsal room. The tune is normally sung by the title character, played by Wayne Brady. But for this rehearsal, ensemble member Cristina Raé was covering the lead vocal line.
And readers, we don't know if you're ready for this.
Check out the video below, as she sits on the floor criss-cross applesauce, as one commenter says, "casually belting out them notes like she was ordering a cocktail."
Raé will make her Broadway debut when The Wiz begins previews March 29 at the Marquis Theatre. She understudies the roles of Evillene, Glinda, Aunt Em, and Addaperle. After hearing her in this video, we can honestly say that any audience who sees her go on in any of those roles should count themselves lucky!
The Wiz opens April 17. Schele Williams directs the production, with choreography by JaQuel Knight. Newcomer Nichelle Lewis stars as Dorothy, joined in the cast by Deborah Cox as Glinda, Melody A. Betts as Aunt Em and Evillene, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, and Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow.
Have a great weekend! And check back next Friday for another feel good feature.
