Producer Kandi Burruss Shares Why ‘The Wiz’ on Broadway Remains in the Million-Dollar Club in its Second Week
Written by Colin Stutz on May 5, 2024
A lack of 2024 Tony nominations isn’t slowing The Wiz down. The Broadway revival—the first in 40 years—has taken its 1970s soul and is easing on down a new road with electric dance numbers and a contemporary book.
In its first premiere week, The Wiz earned $1.48 million, making it one of the highest-grossing Broadway premiere weeks of the season. And that’s continued into week two.
“As we are speaking now, we have just published our grosses and came in very high again, allowing us to remain in the million-dollar club,” exclaims Kandi Burress. The songwriter and TV personality is one of show’s producers.
“The financial success The Wiz is experiencing is based on the power of the story and our re-imagined version. We were hoping the response would be the same on Broadway as it was on the road. Pleased to say it is.”
Burruss, who has been nominated for a 2024 Southeast Emmy, shares that one of the secrets to the show’s success is its fiercely loyal fans. Before premiering on Broadway in late April 2024, The Wiz enjoyed a successful national tour run.
“Audiences are attending in droves and returning two, four and sometimes five times over to experience the show,” Burruss says. “We have had fans follow the show on the road to Broadway.”
And there’s a simple reason why they are returning again and again. “The show is two hours of pure fun. And this cast sings like a dream,” Burruss declares. “It’s a hit because everyone has a connection to wanting a place to call home. We all have searched for friendships and family. The Wiz provides that joy and belonging we can all relate to.”
The Wiz is currently playing at the Marquis Theatre in New York City.
