February 9th 2024.
In a recent interview with BLACK ENTERPRISE's Selena Hill, award-winning singer and songwriter Deborah Cox shared her excitement for her upcoming dual role as star and co-producer in the Broadway revival of The Wiz. With over 30 credits in both film and music, Cox has established herself as a talented and versatile artist, producing critically acclaimed albums and captivating audiences for decades. Now, the Toronto-born actress is ready to return to the stage as Glinda the Good Witch later this year.
Cox spoke about her immediate enthusiasm when she received the call from director Shelly Williams about her interest in the role. She was eager to dive into the workshops and work with the team to bring this iconic story to life once again. "I knew that we were going to be embarking on something very controversial, groundbreaking. I know the shoulders that we stand on," she shared.
The original 1978 film adaptation of The Wiz featured legendary singers Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, and Lena Horne, and has become a beloved classic over the years. Cox acknowledged the pressure of recreating the magic of such a beloved film, saying, "I know the expectations of this show, so I knew that we all collectively have big, big shoes to fill." But she added that the team is excited to retell this story and bring it to a new generation of audiences.
Cox's portrayal of Glinda draws inspiration from the late Lena Horne's performance in the film, but she also adapted it for the stage, which has a more limited capacity. "I knew that the impact of Glinda would have to be of the same magnitude onstage. So how do you do that in a musical with only a few moments in the show?" she explained. For Cox, Glinda is an anchor, representing hope, light, love, and security for Dorothy on her journey to find her home.
The singer also expressed her excitement for performing on Broadway, describing it as an exhilarating experience. "It's a different audience; it's a different experience. You have the opportunity to tell a story with a cast of people that are incredibly talented," she said. Cox also highlighted the energy and collaboration involved in a live performance, with the lighting, crew, musicians, and orchestra all playing a significant role in creating a unique show every night.
This will be Cox's third appearance on Broadway, following her roles as Aida in 2004 and Lucy in Jekyll & Hyde in 2013. She encourages everyone to watch the full interview on YouTube and keep an eye out for the Broadway previews of The Wiz, starting in late March.
In addition to her Broadway role, Cox also discussed her new album and the lessons she learned from working with the late Whitney Houston. The full interview can be found on Black Enterprise's YouTube channel. With her talent and passion for storytelling, Cox is sure to bring a fresh and captivating performance to the stage in The Wiz.
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