The Wiz is a 1978 American musical adventure fantasy film that reimagines L. Frank Baum’s classic 1900 children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Featuring an all-black cast, the film was loosely adapted from the 1974 Broadway musical of the same name. It follows the adventures of Dorothy, a shy, twenty-four-year-old Harlem schoolteacher who finds herself magically transported to the urban fantasy Land of Oz, which resembles a dream version of New York City. Befriended by a Scarecrow, a Tin Man and a Cowardly Lion, she travels through the city to seek an audience with the mysterious Wiz, who they say is the only one powerful enough to send her home.

Produced by Rob Cohen and directed by Sidney Lumet, the film stars Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, Lena Horne and Richard Pryor, among others. Its story was reworked from William F. Brown’s Broadway libretto by Joel Schumacher, and Quincy Jones supervised the adaptation of Charlie Smalls and Luther Vandross’ songs for it.

Despite being a commercial and critical failure upon release, the film was nominated for four Oscar awards. Michael Jackson won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor for his role. The film is considered a cult classic today.

Released: 1978
Run Time: 2 hours, 14 minutes
MPAA Rating: G

Doors open at 7pm for this general admission event.

This film is part of the Fairy Tales and Fantasy Film Series:
Jan 25 – The NeverEnding Story
Jan 31 – Labyrinth
Feb 7 – The Princess Bride
Feb 9 – The Dark Crystal
Feb 22 – The Wiz

Cost: $5

For more information contact:

BCT Box Office
(812) 323-3020
[email protected]