Casting Announced for the 2026-2027 National Tour of ‘The Wiz’

Crossroads Live North America, producer of the National Tour of the groundbreaking hit musical THE WIZ, is thrilled to announce an all-new cast who will ease on down the road.

Leading this new company are “American Idol” Season 23 finalist Gabby Samone as Dorothy, international vocalist and actor Bryan DeMond as The Wiz, “The Voice” Season 28 contestant Toni Lorene Baker as Glinda, April Renee Moye as Aunt Em/Evillene; multi-award-winning Gospel recording artist and “The Voice” Season 20 Live Playoffs contestant Jose E. Figueroa Jr. as Scarecrow, Jaelen Spellman as Tinman; and “The Voice” Season 25 Winner Asher HaVon as Lion.

The ensemble features Maurissa Cunningham, Ary’ana N. Davis, Marcus Elliott, Jay Fuqua, Chelsea Nicole Green, Malik Jordan, Kianna Kelly-Futch, Morgan Lewis, Travis Lucas, Kaiel Lynice Maynor, Allen McBride, Matthew J. McCray, John Ray Jr., Nadia Richardson, Khi’shawn A’quez Robinson, Vertreace Sanders and Daisy Wilson-Dzogbe.

“We are so excited to have this extremely talented cast who will bring such a range of life and entertainment backgrounds to the stage—and I can’t wait for audiences across the country to experience them live,” expressed Kori Prior, Executive Producer of The Wiz, Crossroads Live North America.

The Wiz continues to charm audiences in cities across the country, bringing the seven-time Tony Award®-winning musical and the exhilarating live theatrical experience from coast to coast.

Following an acclaimed run on Broadway, the revival that brought Oz roaring back to life for a new generation will visit 75 cities during the newest tour which begins Saturday, September 26, 2026 in Springfield, Ohio. The tour will go on to make triumphant return visits to San Antonio, San Francisco and Detroit, along with premiere engagements in New Haven, CT; Madison, WI; Wilmington, DE; Mesa, AZ and Palm Desert, CA and many more. For the full tour schedule, visit WizMusical.com

Biographies

GABBY SAMONE (Dorothy) (she/her) Baltimore-born vocalist and actress, “American Idol” Season 23 finalist, with appearances on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” and “The Kelly Clarkson Show”. She has performed at the Apollo Theater, worked with Disney, and now makes her national touring debut.

TONI LORENE BAKER (Glinda) (she/her) is thrilled to make her National Tour debut with The Wiz! A Houston native and graduate of The University of Texas at Austin’s Musical Theatre program, her theatre credits include The Drowsy Chaperone (Trix), Footloose (Ariel), and All Shook Up (Lorraine). She competed on Season 28 of “The Voice” with Snoop Dogg and previously voiced Cody’s Mom and The Doctor on “CoComelon”.

APRIL RENEE MOYE (Aunt Em/Evillene) (she/her) is excited to make her debut in The Wiz! A native of Augusta, Georgia, she is a graduate of Glenn Hills High School, Savannah State University, and NCA&T. She discovered her passion for the performing arts through dance and refined her craft through advanced vocal training in New York City. April proudly serves as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

JOSE E. FIGUEROA JR. (Scarecrow) (he/him) “Jose Figueroa Jr. is a multi-award-winning Gospel recording artist and actor with over 25 years in the industry. Recent credits: Simba in The Lion King: Rhythms of the Pride Lands at Disneyland Paris and “The Voice” Season 20 Live Playoffs contestant. He is honored to join the Second National Tour of The Wiz. ALL glory to God only and always!

JAELEN SPELLMAN (Tinman) (he/him), born and raised in the Bronx, New York, is an actor and singer. He began singing in church at age five and later served as a worship leader in high school. Jaelen began acting in 2024 and is currently pursuing his college education while building a career in performance. He hopes to inspire audiences through honest, meaningful storytelling.

ASHER HAVON (Lion) (he/him) is an award-winning vocalist and the winner of Season 25 of NBC’s “The Voice”. A native of Selma, Alabama, his journey began singing for an audience of teddy bears in his grandmother’s living room and has grown to performances on major stages, including appearances for five U.S. presidents. His artistry is rooted in authenticity, resilience, soul, and a love of storytelling through music.

BRYAN DEMOND (The Wiz) (he/him), a Baton Rouge, Louisiana native, has performed internationally as a vocalist, actor, and host. Favorite credits include Something Rotten! (Shakespeare), Once on This Island (Papa Ge), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey II), and Ragtime (Coalhouse). He has also worked on productions with artists including Mary J. Blige and David Foster. Motto: “Starve the ego; feed the soul.”

MAURISSA CUNNINGHAM (Ensemble) (she/her) is overjoyed to make her National Tour debut with The Wiz! A Kansas City native and Wichita State University graduate with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, she is honored to help bring the Emerald City to life. Maurissa sends love and gratitude to everyone who has supported her journey. Believe in yourself!! IG: @maurissa_sings

ARY’ANA N. DAVIS (Ensemble) (she/her) is thrilled to make her professional touring debut with The Wiz! A University of Florida B.F.A. Musical Theatre graduate, select credits include RENT (Alexi Darling), Pipeline (Jasmine), Macbeth (Third Witch/Fight Captain), and her self-written musical-play The Tracks of Her. She founded UF’s Elite Chompettes Majorette Dance Team. Endless gratitude to God, family, mentors, and everyone who championed her journey. IG: @i_amaryy | TT: @iiam_aryy

MARCUS ELLIOTT (Ensemble) (he/him/his) is thrilled to join The Wiz National Tour. An Indianapolis native, Marcus is an actor, comedian, and entertainer whose theatre credits include The Wiz (Scarecrow), The Color Purple (Harpo), Dreamgirls (James “Thunder” Early), and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (Levee). He is also a stand-up comedian, member of Mademan Improv, and appears as Derrick in the YouTube series “Almost 30”. Love and gratitude to God and his family.

JAY FUQUA (Ensemble) (he/him) is an Indianapolis-based actor, vocalist, and multidisciplinary artist. A B.F.A. graduate of Indiana University, his theatrical credits include Dreamgirls, RENT, and The Color Purple. He also releases original music as FUQUA and creates work through Dream World of Fuqua. Recent projects include A Divas’ Christmas Cabaret and his SoloFest production Death of a Church Boy. He is honored to share his passion for storytelling with audiences nationwide.

CHELSEA NICOLE GREEN (Ensemble) (she/her) is thrilled to tour with The Wiz, where she also serves as a Dance Captain. Previous tours include TINA – The Tina Turner Musical (u/s Alline, Swing/Dance Captain; Ikette 2). Other credits include Grease (Jan), Disney Cruise Line, Watch Night at PAC NYC, and The Club Act. Screen credits include “Law & Order”, “Severance”, “Power”, “American Horror Story”, “Harlem”, and Mean Girls (2024). B.A. Dance, UMBC. @LeapToTheRhythm

MALIK JORDAN (Ensemble) (he/him) is grateful to be back on tour! Credits include The Addams Family 2025 National Tour (Ensemble, u/s Pugsley), The Rat Pack Lounge (Bobby Goldfield, Meadow Brook Theatre), and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Drifter, The Cape Playhouse). He is excited to ease on down the road with The Wiz. IG: @malikjordann

KIANNA KELLY-FUTCH (Swing) (she/her) . National Tour: TINA – The Tina Turner Musical. Regional: Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, Bye Bye Birdie, A Bronx Tale. B.M. Musical Theatre, Manhattan School of Music. A Washington, D.C. native, Kianna is thrilled to join The Wiz and grateful for the support that has carried her to the Emerald City. IG: @kiannakellyfutch

MORGAN LEWIS (Swing) (she/her) is thrilled to join the cast of The Wiz. A Nashville native and Syracuse University B.F.A. graduate, her touring credits include TINA – The Tina Turner Musical. Morgan is grateful to her family, friends, and representation for their unwavering support and is excited to continue sharing her love of performance with audiences across the country.

TRAVIS LUCAS (Ensemble) (he/him) makes his National Tour debut with The Wiz! Favorite credits include Hairspray (Seaweed), Newsies (Jack Kelly), SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical (SpongeBob), and Grease (Teen Angel). He is grateful to his family and team for their constant support. IG: @thetravislucas

KAIEL LYNICE MAYNOR (Ensemble) (she/her), 23, is a soulful vocalist whose artistry blends jazz, R&B, gospel influences, and evocative storytelling. Outside of performing, she shares her love of music and mentorship as a youth choir director and church leader. Kaiel gives all glory to God and lovingly thanks her family, mentors, and supporters for their unwavering encouragement.

ALLEN MCBRIDE (Swing) (he/him), originally from Gainesville, Florida, is a recent graduate of SCAD Performing Arts. Favorite acting credits include Donkey, Seaweed J. Stubbs, and Seymour. He is thrilled to make his National Tour debut with The Wiz and grateful for everyone who has supported him along the way. IG: @allenmcbride

MATTHEW J. MCCRAY (Swing) (he/him/his) is thrilled to make his National Tour debut with The Wiz. A 2024 Muhlenberg College graduate with a B.A. in Theatre and minor in Dance, recent credits include Hairspray (Fulton Theatre), A Chorus Line (Revival Productions), and Dreamgirls (Walnut Street Theatre). He is a 2023 American Dance Guild Jacob’s Pillow Scholarship recipient. Matthew thanks his family, friends, and above all, Jesus Christ. IG: @matt_mccray

JOHN RAY JR. (Ensemble) (he/him) gives all glory to God and is grateful for the opportunity to be part of The Wiz. He thanks his parents for their unwavering love and support and sends a special thank-you to his friends and family for believing in him and encouraging him throughout his journey.

NADIA RICHARDSON (Swing) (she/her) is thrilled to make her National Tour debut with The Wiz! She is currently a student at Baldwin Wallace University and is deeply grateful for this opportunity. Nadia sends love and thanks to her family, friends, and teachers for their continued encouragement and support. IG: @nadiarichardson83

KHI’SHAWN A’QUEZ ROBINSON (Ensemble) (he/him), from Greensboro, North Carolina, returns to The Wiz after appearing in the 50th Anniversary/First National Tour. Additional credits include the National Tour of On Your Feet! The Story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan; Royal Caribbean’s Hairspray!; and Guys and Dolls at Ogunquit Playhouse. Thanks to family, friends, and Suite Talent Agency. IG: @KhishawnRobinson

VERTREACE SANDERS (Ensemble) (she/her) is a singer, songwriter, and actress from Flora, Mississippi, and an AMDA graduate with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre. In 2020, her viral rendition of a Jazmine Sullivan riff challenge led to an appearance on the “BET Soul Train Awards”, where Sullivan praised her performance. Vertreace is thrilled to make her National Tour debut with The Wiz and thanks God and her village for their love and support.

DAISY WILSON-DZOGBE (Ensemble) (she/her) is still pinching herself as she makes her Broadway touring debut with The Wiz! Favorite credits include Sister Act (Deloris Van Cartier) and Hairspray (Cindy/Dynamite). Special thanks to her family, friends, and MMV Talent for their endless support. IG: @missdais.y

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, that trailblazing spirit comes thrillingly to life in this bold, joy-filled production, beautifully reimagined for the stage and featuring dazzling choreography, spectacular theatricality and a vibrant vision of Oz for a new generation. The Wiz is a full-throttle live experience, an electrifying celebration of music, movement, Black culture and community that honors the show’s extraordinary legacy while carrying its magic forward. Fifty years after it first became a cultural touchstone, its message, influence and unmistakable joy continue to resonate with generations of audiences across America.

Featuring a book by William F. Brown and music by Charlie Smalls, the production is directed by Schele Williams (Aida, The Notebook) and choreographed by JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” Black is King), with Amber Ruffin (“The Amber Ruffin Show,” “Late Night With Seth Meyers”) as Writer of Additional Material and Additional Music By Luther Vandross and Timothy Graphenreed.
 
Joseph Joubert (music supervision, orchestrations, & music arrangements), Allen René Louis (vocal arrangements, music arrangements), 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 that brings 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), original wig design by Charles LaPointe (MJ the Musical) and original make-up design by Kirk Cambridge-Del Pesche (The Piano Lesson). Casting is by Murnane Casting.
 
The Wiz associate director is Alan Mingo, Jr. and associate choreographer is Ashley Seldon. THE WIZ tour stage management team is led by Gloria Bontrager-Thomas with Bruno Diaz Miranda; company management team is Brian Cedric Jones with Jonathan Kwock, with Jarvis Brown as the Music Director.
 
Based on L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Wiz reimagines one of America’s most enduring stories through the lens of Black culture, music and joy.
 
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.
 
Nearly five decades later, The Wiz found its way back home. The all-new production launched its pre-Broadway national tour in Baltimore in 2023, the city where the musical had its original world premiere in 1974, before making its triumphant return to Broadway in April of 2024. Following its 50th Anniversary Tour that culminated in May of 2026, that same acclaimed Broadway revival continues its journey across America in this newest tour, inviting audiences to experience the magic of Oz live and in a production unlike any other.

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