Lisa Smith

The Wiz on Broadway was a phenomenal treat! That cast with Stephanie Mills was a magical reimagining of The Wizard of Oz. The Wiz, the movie, was an embarrassment! Overdone sets, costumes, and acting. The stereotypical African American characterizations had a ghetto minstrel show quality. I couldn’t articulate why this movie was such a DEEP DISAPPOINTMENT to me at 14 years old. I was ridiculed by friends who sang it’s praises back then. I did enjoy a few musical selections, but most were preachy and sad. Diana Ross just looked silly and was a terrible actress, as was Michael Jackson! This movie pops up on TV often. I still cringe, as I still try to like this mess of a movie!