The Wiz
Book by William F. Brown.
Music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls.
ADC Theatre, Cambridge,
Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society
10th November 2026.
From the original “The Wizard of Oz” in 1939 to more modern versions (the well know “Wicked” to the lesser well known steam punk version of “The Tin Man in 2007) there have been many re-tellings and re-imaginings of Frank L. Baum’s story “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”. Within these re-tellings some people may remember “The Wiz”, originally premiering on Broadway in 1975 and winning 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. This was then turned into a film in 1978 starring Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as The Scarecrow. It is this re-telling that Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society (CUMTS) have brought to the ADC Theatre.
The atmosphere is set almost immediately, as you enter the bar and walk through a green “curtain”. This is added to when taking your seats in the auditorium, with the upbeat music of Michael Jackson playing, setting the period and main genre of music for the show. You immediately know that this is going to be a great, feel-good evening.
The director has a simple set of a mini balcony at the back and a mainly bare stage. This is the perfect canvas for the scene changes with actors bringing on their own props making these fairly smooth. The lighting also very much adds to the story telling. The slick changes quickly tells the audience exactly where and which land the characters are in. Extra additions of images on the walls of the auditorium really pulls in the audience and makes them feel that they are along for the journey with the characters.
The production starts strong and becomes stronger. You are aware the Director (Connor Nainthy) has put a lot of thought into the casting, paying very close attention to the representation of ethnic minorities and diversity on stage (keeping the tradition of the original show/movie). This is a well-cast show. Everyone plays their parts brilliantly. You are struck by the amazing voices. Aunty Em (Eden Sung) sings “The Feeling We Once Had” with real feeling. You can truly see the love she has for Dorothy. The Scarecrow (Maya-David Teittenen), Tin Man (Nikita Nair) and Lion (Ariel Chan) play their parts with compassion and comedy, especially Tin Man, who also provides a confidence and cheekiness and plays a cool character. Dorothy (Pratiti Dutta) carries the show (providing a Diana Ross vibe with her voice and mannerisms) and brings all the characters together. It is a joy to watch her throughout and how her character really grows. Another real standout performance is The Wiz (Gabriella Roe). She plays The Wiz with very nice comedic timing, putting in a spirited performance. Her voice really shines through, especially with her three main songs (“So You Wanted to Meet the Wizard”, “Believe in Yourself” and “Y’all Got It”). Within the ensemble, Jake Butler-Smith really jumps out as excellent performer, putting his all into everything he does.
The book and lyrics really stay with you. These are lyrics about hope, love and friendship. The music, written by Tony Award winning composer, Charlie Smalls, showcases different genres (mainly gospel, soul and funk). This is upbeat and pushes the story along with a great pace.
With joyful and enlivening music, some songs will be very familiar, and themes of love, friendship and believing in yourself, this is a must-see show. You will leave feeling uplifted.
