The Wiz
The TV event is adapted from the 1975 Broadway musical The Wiz, an all-Black reinterpretation of L. Frank Baum’s 1900 children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. In 1978, that musical was made into a film starring Michael Jackson and Diana Ross.

What is the difference between The Wizard of Oz and The Wiz?

They both basically have the same story, except the most glaring difference, the age difference between the two Dorothy’s. As stated, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz is a kid while Dorothy in The Wiz is an adult.

How old was Michael Jackson when he filmed The Wiz?

20 years of age
Michael portrayed the Scarecrow in the 1978 movie version of The Wiz. He was 20 years of age when he portrayed the scarecrow. Around this time he was dating Stephanie Mills , whom played Dorothy in the original Wiz Broadway show .

How old was MJ in The Wiz?

18-year-old
When it came time for the Scarecrow part, Michael stepped to the microphone and began to sing, not the bright-sounding Michael Jackson of “I Want You Back” but the 18-year-old MJ whose voice had evolved into something as smooth and powerful as the Concorde.

How old was Michael Jackson when he filmed the Wiz?

Who is Michael Jackson in the Wiz?

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 –June 25, 2009) or known as The King Of Pop, portrayed the Scarecrow in the 1978 movie version of The Wiz. He was 20 years of age when he portrayed the scarecrow. Around this time he was dating Stephanie Mills , whom played Dorothy in the original Wiz Broadway show .

Who is The Wiz cast?

Produced by Rob Cohen and directed by Sidney Lumet , the film stars Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell , Ted Ross, Mabel King, Theresa Merritt, Thelma Carpenter , Lena Horne, and Richard Pryor.

What is The Wiz musical?

The Wiz is a musical re-imagining of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, with an all African-American cast. It premiered on Broadway in 1975. It was directed by Geoffrey Holder , and had a score by Charlie Smalls, and a libretto by William F. Brown.

What is The Wiz movie?

The Wiz (film) The Wiz is a 1978 American musical adventure fantasy film produced by Universal Pictures and Motown Productions , and released by Universal Pictures on October 24, 1978.