‘The Wiz’ Announces Full Cast for North American Tour

Hot off the heels of its successful limited engagement Broadway revival last season, producers Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson, Brian Anthony Moreland, Ambassador Theatre Group, Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker and NETworks Presentations are thrilled to announce casting for the touring production of the groundbreaking, Tony® Award-winning hit musical The Wiz.

The principal cast includes Dana Cimone, making her national tour debut, as Dorothy,  Alan Mingo Jr., returning to the role he originated on the pre-Broadway tour and played on Broadway as The Wiz, also making their national tour debuts Sheherazade as Glinda and  Kyla Jade as Aunt Em/Evillene, D. Jerome (MJ the MusicalHamilton) as the Tinman,  Mykal Kilgore (Motown The Musical, The Book of Mormon tour) as the Lion and Elijah Ahmad Lewis (Ain’t Too ProudMotown The Musical) as the Scarecrow.
 
The ensemble features Maati Kheprimeni Angaza, Sai Anthony, Joseph Armon Boyd, Aliyah Caldwell, Lawrence Dandridge, Cyniah Elise, Amitria Fanae’, Kaiyla Gross, Gregory Hamilton, Maya Imani, Jesse Jones, Cal Mitchell, Moriah Perry, Leon Ray, Ephraim Takyi, Josh Walker, Lyn Webber, Kameren Whigham, Mikayla White and Chase Williams.

The Wiz returned “home” to stages across America during a sold-out, tremendously successful 13 city pre-Broadway tour before an electric five-month limited engagement on Broadway last season. Now, it eases back out on the road in a multi-year tour that will kick-off in Rochester, NY at the West Herr Auditorium Theatre on February 22-28, 2025, and visit more than 45 cities, including Houston, Denver, Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Detroit. For the full tour schedule, visit WizMusical.com.

This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world.

Biographies

DANA CIMONE (Dorothy) Coming to you from Atlanta, Georgia, Dana is thrilled and deeply honored to make her debut as Dorothy. With her boundless passion, remarkable talent, and vibrant energy, she aspires to enchant audiences and bring this iconic character to life. Dana extends her heartfelt gratitude to her mother, whose unwavering support and early introduction to theater have been the foundation of her journey. This performance is dedicated to her family, her dreams, and to every young heart inspired by the magic of storytelling.

ALAN MINGO, JR. (The Wiz) Will be reprising his role as The Wiz from the Broadway revival production. Best known for his Award-winning performance as “Lola” in the Canadian and Broadway productions of Kinky Boots (Dora Award Winner, Best Leading Actor). Audiences may know Alan as “Maura Lee Karupt” in DC’s Doom Patrol on (MAX). He is currently starring in a newly released film as Maxi in “I’m Not Gay A Musical” available on all major Streaming platforms. Mr. Mingo’s other Broadway credits include: “Sebastian” in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, and “Tom Collins” in Rent. Alan’s Broadway National Tour credits include: “Donkey” in Shrek the Musical, “Seaweed” in Hairspray, and “Simba” in Disney’s The Lion King. His other TV credits are: ”Honey” in The Deuce (MAX), “The Queen” in Tales of the City (Netflix), “Benjamin Carter Judges” in Ray Donovan (Showtime), Marvel’s Jessica Jones (Netflix), Frasier (NBC) and Law & Order (NBC). Regional credits: Zaza/Albin in La Cage Aux Folles and The Wiz in The Wiz (Sacramento Music Circus), “Sergeant” in Pirates! or Gilbert and Sullivan Plunder’s (The MUNY), “Papa Ge” in Once On This Island (Paper Mill Playhouse), A Christmas Story: the Musical (Kansas City Repertory Theatre) and The Wiz (La Jolla Playhouse). Proud Alumni of University of Maryland, B.A. and UC, Irvine, M.F.A. IG: @AlanMingoj

SHEHERAZADE (Glinda) Broadway tour debut! THEATRE: “Blest Be The Tie” (NYC), “Mama, I Want To Sing” (NYC/Japan), “Antigone in Ferguson.” MUSIC: Cynthia Erivo, Ed Sheeran, Cher, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, H. E. R., Karen Clark-Sheard, Tweet TOUR: Christina Aguilera, Chaka Khan, Gregory Porter, Darlene Love, Harlem Gospel Choir TV/FILM: The Tonight Show, GMA, The View, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Lenny Kravitz), “American, Also. Lesson 2.” “Campaign – Seven Mothers,” “Pyer Moss, American Also.” Love and Light through the gift of SONG! @sherrimusiq

KYLA JADE (Aunt Em / Evillene) Kyla Jade is thrilled to be making her National Broadway Tour debut in The Wiz. A Nashville TN resident, recording artist, and producer captivated audiences worldwide with powerful performances of “You Don’t Own Me” and “This Is Me” becoming a top finalist on NBC’s “The Voice”. She is a sought-after vocal arranger, contractor, and BGV for many Recording Artists, Major Television Networks, and Award Shows. 2025, is full of new experiences and new music from Kyla Jade!  @kylasings

D. JEROME (Tinman) All glory to God. Born Devonté Jerome Wells in Winston-Salem, NC, he trained at the North Carolina School of the Arts. His breakthrough came in The Lord Will Make a Way with Ann Nesby and others. Broadway: MJ the Musical. Tours: Hamilton (Angelica Tour). TV/Film: Haunted Mansion (Disney), TURN (AMC), My Big Fat Fabulous Life (TLC). Regional: Hairspray, The Color Purple, Dreamgirls (Best Supporting Actor – 2016). Praised as a “formidable triple-threat,” from his appearance with George Faison and Debbie Allen. Thanks to Dave, Duane, Leslie, Margo and Noel. Love you, Mom! @d.jerome_

MYKAL KILGORE (Lion) Mykal Kilgore is an award-winning actor and Grammy and NAACP Image Award nominated singer/songwriter for his debut album “A MAN BORN BLACK.” Theatre: Motown the Musical, Hair (Broadway), Book of Mormon (1st National Tour) The Witch – Into The Woods , The Who’s Tommy, Songs For A New World. TV/Film: Jesus Christ Superstar & The Wiz Live (NBC), Collateral Beauty. His performance is dedicated to Nathan, Sonya, Fred, and Alyce.  #blacklivesmatter #translivesmatter #loveoneanother @mykalkilgore  MYKALKILGORE.COM

ELIJAH AHMAD LEWIS (Scarecrow) is a multi-award-winning entertainer and artist. Broadway: Tony® Award-winning Ain’t Too Proud, Motown The Musical. Tours: Ain’t Too Proud 1st Nat (David Ruffin), Motown The Musical 1st and 2nd Nat (Stevie Wonder), Mama, I Want To Sing! (Japan). Film/TV: Mama, I Want To Sing!; America (Rosie O’Donnell); B-Boy Blues; “Power Book III: Rasin Kanan”. Music: SZA, Usher, Ariana Grande, Uncle James “JT” Taylor, Cissy Houston, Madonna. Thanks: Family, Team, all “WIZ” shoulders we stand on. New album “ENERGY AND LOVE” and all music available on all platforms under “EAL” @elijah.ahmad.lewis eal360.com

MAATI KHEPRIMENI ANGAZA (Ensemble) National Tour Debut! She’s graced The Javits Center, Made in America, CitiField, and more. Off Broadway: Breakin’ NYC (Dance Captain/Ensemble). Training: Frank Sinatra School of the Arts and Temple University (BFA). Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, Maati thanks her family, friends and agents at Bloc!

SAI ANTHONY (Ensemble, u/s Scarecrow) Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Sai Anthony has captivated audiences across the globe, performing aboard renowned cruise lines. Now, he’s thrilled to bring the timeless magic of The Wiz to life on a stage near you!

JOSEPH ARMON BOYD (Ensemble) is a native of Chester, South Carolina and graduate of the University of South Carolina. Credits: Pepsi LVI Super Bowl Halftime Show (Field Cast), StepAfrika! Black History Month Tour (Guest Artist) and UNBOUND Dance Company (Company Dancer). @thejosepharmon

ALIYAH CALDWELL (Swing) 1st National tour: Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. SWING: Norwegian Cruise Lines. Hairspray: Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Ava Fields Dance Ministry Alum. Baltimore School for the Arts Alum. BFA from Towson University. #TheDancingZeta. 410/443 Represent!

LAWRENCE DANDRIDGE (Ensemble, u/s The Wiz) Lawrence Dandridge is excited to join The Wiz family! Professional credits include: Pippin- (Vanguard Theater Company – Leading Player), Tick, Tick, Boom! (Theatre Raleigh – Michael), Rock and Roll Man (New World Stages – Little Richard Cover), Passing Strange (Vanguard Theater Company- Mr. Franklin/Joop/ Mr. Venus) Ain’t Too Proud 1st National Tour (Smokey Robinson/Damon Harris), and Sister Act 2nd National Tour (TJ). Singer. Songwriter. Composer. Playwright. Proud Co-Founder of Aurway Repertory Theatre in Newark, NJ. @that_musicman

CYNIAH ELISE (Ensemble, u/s Dorothy, u/s Glinda) In 2020 Cyniah walked onto the national stage of American Idol where she captured the hearts of America. Cyniah has participated in numerous organizations and churches. Regional credits: The Wiz , A Chorus Line, Hairspray, A Song For Adaeze, Dreamgirls, and The Preachers Wife The Musical. @cyniah.Elise

AMITRIA FANAE’ (Ensemble, Addaperle, u/s Aunt Em/Evillene) is thrilled to ease on down the yellow brick road! Awarded Best Actress in a Musical from Broadway World for Celie in The Color Purple at Theatre West End. Select Credits: Dream Girls, Ain’t Misbehavin, Godspell, Smokey Joe’s Café, Shrek. Amitria has also performed in Disney’s Festival Of the Lion King as Zawadi and conjured spells as Celestina Warbeck at Universal Studios. Special thanks to Mom, Muhammad, Family, & Friends. You’re all the magic you’ll ever need. amitriafanae.com @amitriafanae

KAIYLA GROSS (Swing, u/s Addaperle, u/s Aunt Em/Evillene, u/s Glinda) DC Area: Fords Theatre: Little Shop of Horrors (Ronnette), A Christmas Carol (Mrs. Fred); Signature Theatre: The Color Purple (Nettie), RENT (Seasons of Love Vocalist); Next Stop Theatre: Beehive: the 60’s Musical (Aretha); Museum of the Bible: Amazing Grace (Princess Peyai). REGIONAL: Olney Theatre Center: Kinky Boots (Pat), Miss You Like Hell (Pearl), Duluth Playhouse: Ragtime, Virginia Stage Company: A Christmas Carol (Belinda Cratchit), Instagram: @iamgette_

GREGORY HAMILTON (Ensemble) University of North Carolina School of the Arts graduate. Accomplished dancer in contemporary and classical forms. Credits: Gaspard&Dancers, Jose Limon Dance, Metropolitan Opera House and EVIDENCE.

MAYA IMANI (Ensemble, u/s Addaperle) Maya Imani is honored to join the company of this iconic show! Previous credits: MEAN GIRLS 1st Nat’l Tour (Ensemble/Janis u/s), ANASTASIA (Bucks County Playhouse), 42ND STREET (Maltz Jupiter; Anytime Annie). @_maya_imani_  | http://www.maya-imani.com/

JESSE JONES (Swing, Dance Captain) Broadway & National Tour: Beetlejuice the Musical. Regional: The Little Mermaid (Jetsam), La Cage Aux Folles (Jacob), Shrek (Donkey), Macbeth (Choreographer), Swing!, Dreamgirls, In The Heights, The Cher Show. TV: “Dance Masters” (PBS). @jessejdance

CAL MITCHELL (Ensemble, u/s Lion) is so excited to be making his Nat’ Tour Debut with THE WIZ! Off Broadway: The White Rose (Theatre Row),The Lieutenant (York theatre) Regional: The Color Purple (Denver Center Of The Performing Arts), Songs For A New World (Gateway Playhouse/Village Theatre), LINK Program (2021). He sends so much love to his DGRW Family, and to the audience. To my Family; you helped me believe in myself, and never let me forget who I was, this is to you<3 Instagram: thecalmitchell TikTok:thecalebmitchell)

MORIAH PERRY (Ensemble) Thrilled to be making her Broadway National tour debut in THE WIZ! Most recently: Cabaret (Texas) at Downtown Cabaret Theatre. Moriah is extremely grateful for the Lord, Mom, Dad, family, friends, and The Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts for their encouragement and love.

LEON RAY (Swing, u/s Scarecrow, u/s Lion) hails from North Carolina where he received a BFA in Musical Theatre from Western Carolina University. Recent credits include: Shrek the Musical (Ensemble, Donkey Understudy), Tiana’s Crawfish Crooners (Band Leader) & The Color Purple Audio Experience (Bobby). @Leon_Ray__

EPHRAIM TAKYI (Swing, u/s Tinman) is thrilled to be on the road with this spectacular show! National Tour: Tina– The Tina Turner Musical. Regional: Hangar, WPPAC, Weathervane, & more. W&M alum. He is grateful to his family, friends, and Stalwart Talent for their support! @ephraimtak

JOSH WALKER (Ensemble, u/s Tin Man, u/s The Wiz) is an artist through & through from NJ! They are currently writing an original musical called The Last Dance! Excited couldn’t even begin to describe how grateful they feel about joining this incredible group of artists in The Wiz! They will continue to fight for life, love, peace & freedom through art!

LYN WEBBER (Ensemble, u/s Dorothy) SC. native, Lyn makes her Bway National Tour debut as Dorothy u/s/Ens. Her “rock the house” mezzo belt makes her a fan favorite at NY’s iconic Ellen’s Stardust Diner. Recent AMDA grad, previous credits include: SIX: THE MUSICAL – Heart of Stone soloist and Zawadi, as Disney Main Stage Vocalist in The Lion King Festival. Love and thanks first to MOM-“bestie”, NY chosen family & Bobbie @TEG MGMT. for all their support and love.

KAMEREN WHIGHAM (Ensemble) A Fort Lauderdale native, began dance training at eight and attended performing arts schools. A Dillard High graduate, he earned a BFA in Dance from UArts, performed with PHILADANCO!, and appeared in Tyler Perry’s A Jazzman’s Blues.

MIKAYLA WHITE (Swing, u/s Dorothy) National Tour Debut! NYC: School of Rock (Gramercy Theatre) Regional: Beautiful (Paper Mill Playhouse & Maine State Music Theatre). Gratitude to The Wiz Team & Tara Rubin Casting! Thanks to her family & friends for their endless love! Rep: Hudson Artists IUMT ’25 Psalms 46:5 @mikaylawhiteee

CHANSE WILLIAMS (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her National tour debut in a show she’s held close to her heart since childhood. A Connecticut native, based in NYC. Most recently seen in Jelly’s Last Jam (Ensemble), Encores! at New York City Center. Pace University (BFA, Commercial Dance) and Jacob’s Pillow alum. Chanse first thanks God as all of this is for His Glory, as well as her family, friends, and wonderful agents at BLOC, all of whom she wouldn’t be here without. @chanse.williams

Featuring a book by William F. Brown and a Tony Award-winning score by Charlie Smalls (and others), director Schele Williams (The Notebook), award-winning choreographer JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” Black is King), additional material by Tony-nominated and Emmy-nominated writer and TV host Amber Ruffin (“The Amber Ruffin Show,” “Late Night With Seth Meyers”), Joseph Joubert (music supervision, orchestrations, & music arrangements), Allen René Louis (vocal arrangements, music arrangements), and Emmy Award®-winning music director and Grammy Award®-winning writer, Adam Blackstone and Terence Vaughn (Dance Music Arrangers) conjure up an Oz unlike anything ever seen before. A dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop bring a whole new groove to easing on down the road. 
 
The Wiz design team includes scenic design by Academy Award-winning Hannah Beachler (Black Panther, Beyoncé’s Black is King and Lemonade), costume design by Emmy Award-winning and two-time Academy Award-nominated Sharen Davis (Ray, Dreamgirls), lighting design by Barrymore Award-winning Ryan J. O’Gara (Thoughts of a Colored Man), sound design by Jon Weston (Parade), video and projection design by Daniel Brodie (Motown the Musical), wig design by Charles LaPointe (MJ the Musical) and make-up design by Kirk Cambridge-Del Pesche (The Piano Lesson). Casting is by TRC Casting Company.
 
The Wiz associate director is Emily Madigan and associate choreographer is Ashley Seldon. The Wiz tour stage management team is led by Justin Myhre with Hollis Duggans-Queenss and Kyrah Michael; company management team is Jeff Mensch and Joi Henry, with Victor Simonson as the Music Director.
The production also includes ‘Everybody Rejoice’ music and lyrics by Luther Vandross, as well as the ‘Emerald City Ballet’ with music by Timothy Graphenreed.
 
Based on L. Frank Baum’s children’s book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, The Wiz takes one of the world’s most enduring (and enduringly white) American fantasies and transforms it into an all-Black musical extravaganza for the ages.
 
The Wiz premiered on Broadway in 1975 and became an instant sensation, going on to win seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Ted Ross), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Dee Dee Bridgewater), Best Choreography (George Faison), and in a Broadway first, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Costume Design (Geoffrey Holder). “Ease on Down the Road” became the show’s break-out single, and “Home” has since become a bona fide classic. That original production ran for four years (first at The Majestic Theatre and later at The Broadway Theatre) – and 1,672 performances – on Broadway. A 1978 film adaptation starred Diana Ross, Ted Ross, Mabel King, Richard Pryor and Lena Horne, and marked Quincy Jones’ first collaboration with Michael Jackson. The most recent Broadway revival played from March to August 2024 at the Marquis Theater in NYC.
 
Additional information on tour cities, venues, performance schedules and single ticket on sale dates are available at WizMusical.com and follow The Wiz on social media channels.

Thanks for stopping by! If you enjoy this content, and want to help support the site, visit my Buy Me A Coffee page here.