Stephanie Mills - The Wiz On Broadway Home Live 1984

The Wiz

"The Wiz" is a soulful and funky adaptation of the classic musical "The Wizard of Oz." It is based off of the book "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum.

"The Wiz" was introduced on Broadway in 1975 and won seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score, and others. Stephanie Mills, played the part of Dorothy in the Broadway production. Many believe that this musical spoke to the African-American community during the time.

In 1978, "The Wiz" was made into a movie starring Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow. There was much heated debate on whether the aged Diana Ross should be cast in replacement of the young and experienced actress Stephanie Mills. Ross put her foot down though and demanded to be cast.

Fast forward to 2009 and many producers took the step to make the revival of "The Wiz" (above). Ashanti, an R&B recording artist, starred in this new and improved version at "Encore! Summer Stars." Many theater buffs criticized Ashanti for her first big acting role. They thought her singing was fairly good, but her acting was atrocious. Although this revival only ran for a short time, it was still another wonderful adaptation of the classic "Wizard of Oz."

The Secret Garden

"The Secret Garden" has always been a favorite book for children everywhere. It was originally a book, written by Frances Hodgson Burnett in 1909. Burnett told the timeless story of Mary Lennox. Mary lived in India with her English parents who were killed from the cholera outbreak. Now an orphan, Mary Lennox was sent to live with her Uncle Archibald in Yorkshire, England. There she learns of her late Aunt Lily's secret garden and decides to find the garden and take care of it. Along the way she makes new friends and ends up helping her uncle and Colin, her ill cousin.

This book was brought to life on Broadway on April 25, 1991. The musical won three Tony awards, including Best Actress, Best book, and Best Scenic Design. Daisy Eagan, won the Tony for Best Actress for her portayal of the innocent Mary Lennox.

The music in the show is dark and ghostly, but entrancing throughout. Some notable songs are "Lily's Eyes," "The Girl I Mean To Be," "Come to My Garden," and "How Could I Ever Know?"

"The Secret Garden" has timeless messages and it has the ability to captivate its audience. This is what has made "The Secret Garden" such a huge success.

Cast of A Chorus Line performs on 2007 Tony's

A Chorus Line

This highly successful musical won 9 Tony Awards out of 12 nominations. It is the fourth longest running Broadway musical, in fact a revival was created in 2006. "A Chorus Line" was originally an off-Broadway production, but after major success it was moved to Broadway. It appeared on Broadway July 25, 1975.

In the musical, the audience is introduced to 17 dancers auditioning for a musical. Each character explains different instances in their lives that affected them greatly. Every dancer had a defining moment where they decided to pursue dancing as a career. As each character sings about different experiences, the audience sympathizes for them and they become attached to each character. All of the dancers convey similar emotions that the audience experiences.

Although the choreography and dancing is phenomenal throughout the whole show, the music is so unique. No song is alike, which is an amazing feat for the composer Marvin Hamlisch. Some well-known songs include "One," "Nothing," and "I Hope I Get It."

2006 Tony Awards 60th Anniversary Memories

The American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards

The Tony Awards were established in 1947 and they were used to award high achievements in theater. They were named in honor of Antoinette "Tony" Perry who recently died from a heart attack. The first Tony Award ceremony occurred at a dinner on April 6 with over 1,000 guests. Now, 5,000 attend the award ceremony and CBS airs it for millions of others to view.
Each winner is awarded a coveted gold medallion on a black pedestal. On one side is the face of the late Antoinette Perry, and the other is the theater faces of comedy and tragedy.

Antoinette Perry

Where did the name "Tony Awards" come from? Antoinette "Tony" Perry was a highly successful actress, producer, and director in the theater. Tony Perry started performing at a young age. She always considered herself an actress. Tony once said, "I wanted to be an actress as soon as I could lisp. I didn't say I was going to become an actress. I felt I was one. No one could have convinced me I wasn't." That self confidence is key for show business. Some notable productions she was involved are "The Music Master," "A Grand Army Man," and "Miss Lulu Bett." Besides acting, Tony Perry blazed the trail for women involved in theater. She was one of the first to produce and direct. Something unthinkable at the time.
Aside from being a thespian, Perry was also a generous supporter of those in need. During World War II she set up the Theatre Wing of Allied Relief. She helped many people fighting in the military.
Sadly, Tony Perry died from a heart attack.. Years after her death, people still love and respect her and her great contributions to the theater.