‘The Wiz’ Eases on Down the Road to Eisenhower Auditorium

The hit Broadway musical “The Wiz” will bring its reimagining of “The Wizard of Oz” to Penn State next week, featuring performers from “American Idol” and “The Voice.” 

The national touring production will take the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at Eisenhower Auditorium in University Park. Tickets cost $89 or $74 for adults, $57 or $52 for Penn State University Park students and $72 or $57 for people 18 and younger. A $4 fee is applied to tickets purchased online.

Tickets are also available without the fee through the Arts Ticket Center by phone at 814-863-0255 or in person at Eisenhower Auditorium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Based on L. Frank Baum’s novel “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” the musical follows Dorothy’s journey through Oz as she searches for a way home with the help of the Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion. The musical combines the classic story with Black culture and a score featuring soul, gospel, rock and funk. 

The touring cast includes “American Idol” Season 23 finalist Gabby Samone as Dorothy and “The Voice” Season 25 winner Asher HaVon as the Lion. Bryan DeMond will play the Wiz, Toni Lorene Baker will portray Glinda, April Renee Moye will play Aunt Em and Evillene, Jose E. Figueroa Jr. will play the Scarecrow and Jaelen Spellman will portray the Tinman. 

“The Wiz” debuted on Broadway in 1975 and won seven Tony Awards, including best musical. The original production ran for 1,672 performances over four years. Its songs include “Ease on Down the Road” and “Home.” 

The musical was adapted into a 1978 film starring Diana Ross as Dorothy, alongside Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, Mabel King, Richard Pryor and Lena Horne. 

A new production began its national tour in Baltimore in 2023 before returning to Broadway in April 2024. The latest tour continues the revival’s run across the country. 

More information about the performance is available through the Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State.