The Wiz

Get ready to ease on down the road when the Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz arrives at San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre from Friday, December 4 through Sunday, December 6, 2026. Part of a national tour and presented direct from Broadway, this vibrant revival brings a fresh energy to one of musical theater’s most influential reimaginings of The Wizard of Oz. Combining an unforgettable story with soul, gospel, rock, jazz, ballet, and 1970s funk, The Wiz promises a colorful and high-energy experience for audiences of all generations.

Originally celebrated as a groundbreaking musical, The Wiz transforms the familiar journey of Dorothy into a contemporary story about identity, courage, friendship, and finding a place where you truly belong. As Dorothy travels through the fantastical world of Oz, she encounters memorable characters and challenges that encourage her to discover strengths she may not have realized she possessed. Along the way, the story celebrates individuality, community, and the importance of believing in yourself.

This new production brings together an acclaimed creative team to give the classic musical a distinctly modern groove. Schele Williams, whose credits include The Notebook, directs the production, while JaQuel Knight, renowned for his choreography work including Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” and Black Is King, creates the choreography. Additional material comes from Amber Ruffin, the Tony- and Emmy-nominated writer and television host known for The Amber Ruffin Show and Late Night with Seth Meyers. Together, their work infuses the production with contemporary theatrical style while honoring the spirit of the original.

The score remains one of The Wiz‘s greatest attractions. Packed with soulful melodies, gospel-inspired sounds, rock energy, and infectious funk, the music gives the familiar Oz story a distinctive identity all its own. Audiences can expect dynamic choreography, striking visual design, powerful performances, and an energetic theatrical atmosphere that keeps the journey moving from one memorable moment to the next.

The San Francisco engagement runs for a limited weekend at the Orpheum Theatre, with performances from December 4–6, 2026. The production has a running time of approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including an intermission, making it an ideal choice for a festive weekend theater outing.

Critics have highlighted the production’s energetic performances, elaborate choreography, and imaginative visual design. The Baltimore Sun praised its “powerhouse performances” and “stunning choreography,” while the Chicago Sun-Times described the revival as an “eye-popping and high-intensity” theatrical experience.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Wiz, a lover of classic Broadway musicals, or discovering this celebrated story for the first time, this all-new tour offers a chance to experience Oz through a fresh contemporary lens. With its infectious music, spectacular movement, imaginative staging, and uplifting themes, The Wiz promises an exhilarating night of musical theater at San Francisco’s Orpheum Theatre.