A Brand New Day

The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical "Wonderful Wizard of Oz" premiered in 1974 with songs by Charlie Smalls, Timothy Graphenreed, Harold Wheeler, George Faison, and Luther Vandross. Since it first entered the world, audiences have been introduced to the Wiz through the theatre; in the 1978 movie adaptation starring Diana Ross; and the 2015 live television production boasting an all-star cast.

In all its differing adaptations, Dorothy Gale and her friends Scarecrow, Tin Man, and The Lion face off against Evilene, the Wicked Witch of the West. With her defeat, the Winkies under Evilene’s control are freed and they celebrate with Everybody Rejoice/A Brand New Day. 

Luther Vandross’ song is a jubilant celebration of freedom as the characters come together to shed the past and look forward to their future. When sung by a majority Black cast, the song drives home the themes of liberation throughout the tune. In addition, its connection to gay icons like the Wizard of Oz and Diana Ross cement how it resonates with our choir.