Ease On Down, DC: ‘The Wiz’ Brings the Funk to The National

Ok, this isn’t your childhood Wizard of Oz. This is The Wiz, and she did not come to play. Now lighting up the stage at The National Theatre‘s Broadway at the National, this revival is big, bold, and bursting with enough energy to power the Yellow Brick Road twice over.

Quick refresher (with more rhythm): Dorothy gets swept away, lands in a wild, whimsical world, and links up with a trio of iconic strivers — a Scarecrow who wants smarts, a Tinman in need of feelings, and a Lion chasing courage. Together, they strut, spin, and straight-up serve their way to the Wiz, while Dorothy realizes the real magic might just be knowing who you are (cue emotional climax, cue vocals).

But let’s be honest, you’re here for the vibe. And this production delivers. Directed by Schele Williams, with choreography from JaQuel Knight (yes, Beyoncé-level moves), the show swaps sepia-toned nostalgia for a full-color, full-volume spectacle. We’re talking soul, gospel, funk, a little rock, and a whole lot of main character energy. Add in punchy new material from Amber Ruffin, and suddenly Oz feels very now, and very, very fun.

The dancing? Nonstop. The singing? Roof-raising. The sets? Not subtle, and that’s the point. It’s an “eyes wide, jaw dropped, should I clap mid-scene?” kind of night.

Know before you go: it runs about 2 hours and 20 minutes (with intermission), it’s great for ages 8+, and it comes with theatrical extras like haze, smoke, and flashing lights (because subtlety is not on the guest list).

As if DC needed an excuse to get a little louder, livelier, and more fabulous. The Wiz isn’t easing on down the road, it’s owning it. But it’s only on stage here through April 12, 2026!!