Summary
The 1978 musical adaptation of the iconic film The Wizard of Oz featured an all-black cast featuring Diana Rose, who played Dorothy; Nipsey Russell, who played Tin Man; Michael Jackson, who played Scarecrow; and Ted Ross, who played the lion. The Ruby Slippers in the film symbolize hope and empowerment for Dorothy because they assist her in getting home.
Throughout her journey, Dorothy faced adversity, such as trying to navigate an unfamiliar environment and being pursued by the Wicked Witch of the West. The Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Lion also had their difficulties. In particular, Tin Man searched for a heart, Scarecrow searched for a brain, and Lion searched for courage. Throughout the film, the characters collaborate to overcome the particular challenges that they are facing. Dorothy takes on the role of a strong leader, which inspires the other characters to find their inner strength.
The adaptation of The Wizard of Oz in 1978 conveyed a powerful message on the struggle for racial equality in the entertainment industry. The cast was all-Black and dwelled in an urban area, which resonated with Black audiences across the United States. In addition, the film’s themes of empowerment and self-discovery emphasize the agency’s power in the fight for racial equality. Overall, The Wiz represented a monumental moment in Black cinematic history since it challenged stereotypical Hollywood narratives about Black actors and people of color. Through its empowerment and self-discovery themes, the film resonates with audiences worldwide to this day.
Annotated Bibliography
Fraley, Jason. “Ruby Slippers from ‘Wizard of Oz’ Return to American History Museum.” WTOP News, Web.
This news article by Jason Fraley for WTOP News reports that the iconic Ruby Slippers worn by Judy Garland in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz were returned to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History after a painstakingly lengthy restoration process. The slippers had been displayed in the museum since 1979 but were removed in 2016 for restoration funded through a Kickstarter campaign. The restored shoe is now in a new exhibition that explores the film’s cultural impact and its enduring legacy. Fraley notes that the slippers are one of the most popular artifacts in US popular culture, and they symbolize the power of imagination and the importance of storytelling. The author notes that the restoration involved experts from the museum, the Smithsonian Institution, and outside consultants who combined science, art, and technology to maintain the slippers for future generations.
The article also discloses that the restored slippers are housed in a special display case with advanced technology, which protects them from light, moisture, and other environmental factors that could damage them. The author concludes that the return of the slippers was a milestone in the world of popular culture and film since the slippers are an enduring symbol of the impact of The Wizard of Oz on American culture. The author notes that the slippers are a reminder of the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving artifacts that have shaped the collective human cultural heritage.
Kennedy, Gerrick D. “Commentary: On Its 40th Anniversary, a Look at How ‘The Wiz’ Forever Changed Black Culture.” Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, Web.
This article from the Los Angeles Times by Kennedy Gerrick describes the impact of The Wiz on Black culture. According to the author, The Wiz was a musical adaptation of the iconic 1939 titled The Wizard of Oz. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1975 and forever changed the Black culture. The author notes that the show’s success challenged stereotypes, leading to more diversity in theaters that White actors traditionally dominated.
The musical also paved the way for all-Black productions such as The Color Purple and Dreamgirls. The author notes that the production of The Wiz was a star-studded event of all-Black elite actors, including Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, and the Black director Geoffrey Holder. In addition, the author notes that the musical’s themes of community, empowerment, and self-discovery resonated with the Black audiences, who saw themselves reflected on the stage for the first time.
The author notes that The Wiz used contemporary music, such as funk and soul, and incorporated Black humor and vernacular language. The musical adaptation was a huge success, winning seven Tony Awards in 1978. Today, this musical is performed all over the world, and its impact on Black culture resonates to this day. This article is relevant and credible for use in the essay because it explores the themes of The Wiz and how the musical has played an important role in Black cultural heritage. The article also addresses the all-Black cast, including but not limited to Michael Jackson and others.
Weimer, Alex. “The Wiz Challenges a Traditional Narrative.” The Colgate Marron-News, Web.
This article by Alex Weimer argues that the musical The Wiz directly challenges the traditional narrative in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz while offering a new and unique perspective on the classic film. In particular, the author notes that the all-Black cast and urban setting of the musical allow for a reimagination of the Oz as a diverse and vibrant culture that respects and celebrates black culture and language. Weimer also praises the musical themes of self-discovery and empowerment, noting that they resonate well with the Black audience, primarily since the play is performed by an all-Black cast in an urban setting.
She also notes that the musical challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. In particular, she points to the character of Dorothy, who is cast as a strong and independent woman capable of shaping her life rather than being another female victim. In addition, The Wiz reimagines the character of Wiz, who is portrayed as a flawed and vulnerable figure rather than the all-knowing and infallible wizard.