By JULES SHINKLE
BG Independent News
Phoenix LaFreniere grew up listening to Diana Ross’s performance in “The Wiz” – now, she’s stepping into the role of Dorothy and making it her own.
The Broadway revival of the 70s hit musical is coming to Toledo next week. Presented by The American Theatre Guild, their run at The Stranahan Theatre will last from May 26 to May 31.
Tickets are available online at https://www.americantheatreguild.com/toledo/shows/the-wiz-broadway-tickets-the-stranahan.
“The Wiz” reimagines “The Wizard of Oz” with a soundtrack of soul, R&B, and gospel. The original production won seven Tony Awards and was adapted into a cult classic movie starring Ross and Michael Jackson.
LaFreniere began her run with the touring production earlier this year after a whirlwind audition. She had secured a spot in the ensemble cast and was Dorothy’s understudy in January 2026. A week and a half into rehearsals, LaFreniere was recast to play Dorothy full-time.
“My mom showed me [“The Wiz”] as a kid and I loved it. I’ve known all the lyrics to all the songs my whole life. When I auditioned for this, I was like, ‘Well this is great – I already know the words, I know the show like the back of my hand.’ And it worked out for the better.”
In addition to being intimately familiar with the show, LaFreniere sees a lot of herself in Dorothy.
“Most of Dorothy comes from within myself. As a person, I’m pretty similar to her. I play up a younger version of myself.”
Dorothy is a compassionate leader and works hard to bring the heroes together. LaFreniere’s favorite number is a tender moment between her and The Lion where Dorothy exemplifies her character’s strengths.
In “Be a Lion,” “The Lion is feeling bad about himself, being on our team, and I cheer him up. We realize we are strong … and that our strength comes from our friendship with each other and within ourselves.”
Through the bonds built with her friends, Dorothy finds her place in the world. It’s a tale so fanciful yet relatable that it endures over a century later.
“The Wiz” is widely considered a cultural cornerstone of Black musical theater. All-Black casts have a long history on Broadway, but the phenomenal success seen by “The Wiz” would propel more stories told through a Black lens. There’s a thematic throughline from “The Wiz” to “Hamilton”, the breakout 2015 show reimagining the founding fathers as non-white – and personal favorite of LaFreniere.
This tour marks the first Broadway revival of “The Wiz” in 40 years. Its director, Schele Williams, recalls seeing the original tour as a child in Dayton, Ohio. A new generation of talent, inspired by the musical at a young age, is eager to give “The Wiz” another life.
“It’s a super fun dance party,” says LaFreniere. “It has a lot of heart and joy.”
