photo credit: Phantom Projects Theatre
Written by Alina Mae Wilson
Attending The Wiz at Phantom Projects Theatre was an experience filled with heart, humor, and some jaw-dropping vocal talent.
Story:
The Wiz is a vibrant retelling of The Wizard of Oz that reimagines the classic story through the lens of African-American culture. The show follows Dorothy as she’s swept away to the magical land of Oz, where she meets a Scarecrow, a Tin Man, and a Cowardly Lion on her journey to find the mysterious Wiz and a way back home. First premiering in the 1970s, The Wiz has since become a beloved musical experience.
Acting:
Cameron Forbes (Scarecrow), Ja’lil Nelson (Tin Man), and Derrick Johnson (Lion) were the clear showstoppers. These three frankly had no right to be as good as they were. Forbes and Nelson introduced their characters with smooth, honeyed vocals that brought a soulful R&B vibe to their solos. The effect was soothing, polished, and thoroughly enjoyable. Johnson’s Lion barreled onto the stage with a boastful growl and then proceeded to deliver some of the most perfectly timed comedic cowardice I’ve ever seen. His performance was a delight—every flinch, every whimper landed right where it needed to.
In the lead role, Kaitlyn Boyd as Dorothy gave a charming performance that blended warmth and fire. She brought a sincerity to the role that made Dorothy’s journey feel emotionally grounded, and her vocals were lovely throughout.
The ensemble delivered fun, energetic choreography and worked hard to animate the stage. Occasionally, the movement felt like a bit too much for the size of the space, but the effort and enthusiasm were always present.
Design:
As for the technical elements, the set was acceptable, especially for a production geared toward younger audiences. The approach to scene transitions—adjusting the onstage walls to represent movement along the yellow brick road—was functional, if not especially magical. It would have been nice if the walls had been more vibrant or imaginative. The lighting design picked up some of the slack, especially during the Emerald City scenes. The use of Oz’s giant moving head was a fun moment, even if it didn’t stick around for long. Each of the three witches had her own distinct look and flair, from costume to crown, and their appearances injected bursts of energy throughout the show.
One minor drawback: Act Two dragged a bit, and not because of anything the theater did. The script loses momentum, especially for adults who already know the ending. While much of the show is clearly calibrated to delight children, the second act risks testing the patience of grown-ups. Still, that’s a script issue, not a performance one.
All in all, this is a bright, family-friendly production with standout performances and big voices that more than make up for a few hiccups.
Review
7.8
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Above Average! June 6 – 22, 2025.
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Dear Alina,
I read your review of The Wiz and appreciated your thoughtful praise of Cameron, Ja’lil, Derrick Johnson, and Kaitlyn. I wholeheartedly agree that their performances were exceptional and brought a unique depth and flair to their roles.
However, I was disappointed that the review didn’t acknowledge the contributions of other central characters, the witches, particularly Evillene, and the Wiz himself. These roles are fundamental to the story, and the actors portraying them delivered performances that were equally deserving of recognition. Their energy, presence, and emotional range helped bring the entire production to life and deserved to be celebrated alongside the standout trio you highlighted.
I hope future coverage will offer a more well-rounded view that honors the efforts of the full cast, especially when so many brought their A-game to the stage.
Respectfully,
Cythia Lyons