Deborah Cox, Common, Sherri Shepherd and More Stars Hit Yellow Brick Carpet for Opening of “The Wiz” on Broadway

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The beloved musical is back on the boards in its first revival in 40 years

<p>Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images; John Nacion/Variety via Getty (2)</p> Deborah Cox, Common and Sherri Shepherd at the opening of

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images; John Nacion/Variety via Getty (2)

Deborah Cox, Common and Sherri Shepherd at the opening of 'The Wiz' on Broadway

The stars were easing on down the road on Wednesday, April 17, at the opening of hit revival of The Wiz.

After touring the country across 13 sold-out cities across America, the beloved musical finally hit Broadway for its first revival in 40 years.

Attending the milestone were a slew of stars including rappers Common and MC Lyte; engaged pair Ben Platt and Noah Galvin; Broadway greats Ben Vereen and LaChanze; daytime divas Sunny Hostin, Tamron Hall  and Sherri Shepherd; and two former Dorothys — Shanice Williams (from NBC's The Wiz Live) and Stephanie Mills, The Wiz's first Dorothy, who attended alongside fellow original cast members André De Shields, Dee Dee Bridgewater, and Ken Page.

All turned out the fashion, fittingly dressing in greens and golds to see the show — now playing at the Marquis Theatre in New York City.

Related: First Look! Wayne Brady Comes Full-Circle in Broadway-Bound Revival of The Wiz: 'This Is the Dream' (Exclusive)

<p>Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images</p> Deborah Cox, Wayne Brady, Phillip Johnson Richardson, Nichelle Lewis, Avery Wilson, Kyle Ramar Freeman and Melody A. Betts pose onstage at the broadway opening night of 'The Wiz' at Marquee Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Deborah Cox, Wayne Brady, Phillip Johnson Richardson, Nichelle Lewis, Avery Wilson, Kyle Ramar Freeman and Melody A. Betts pose onstage at the broadway opening night of 'The Wiz' at Marquee Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York

Related: 'The Wiz' Revival Starring Wayne Brady Sets Broadway Premiere Date

Based on L. Frank Baum's beloved children's book, The Wonderful Wizard of OzThe Wiz premiered on Broadway in 1975 and became an instant sensation, audiences praising it for transforming one of the world's most enduring American fantasies into an all-Black musical extravaganza. Charlie Smalls' score — with songs from Luther Vandross and Timothy Graphenreed — blended '70s funk with soul, gospel, and rock, and spurred well-known hits like "Ease on Down the Road," "Brand New Day (Everybody Rejoice)" and "Home." It took home seven Tony awards including best musical.

In 1978, a film adaptation starring Diana RossMichael Jackson, Mabel King, Richard Pryor and Lena Horne (among others) hit theaters and became an a cult classic among audiences.

Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Diana Ross and Ted Ross in 'The Wiz.'
Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, Diana Ross and Ted Ross in 'The Wiz.'

The current revival — directed by Schele Williams and produced by Real Housewives of Atlanta pair Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker (among others) — stars Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, Avery Wilson as Scarecrow, Phillip Johnson Richardson as Tinman and Kyle Ramar Freeman as Lion.

Wayne Brady plays the The Wiz, while Deborah Cox takes on the role of Glinda. Melody A. Betts rounds out the principal cast as both Aunt Em and Evillene.

The Wiz ensemble includes Lauryn Adams, Maya Bowles, Shayla Alayre Caldwell, Jay Copeland, Allyson Kaye Daniel, Judith Franklin, Michael Samarie George, Collin Heyward, Amber Jackson, Olivia Jackson, Christina Jones, Polanco Jones, Kolby Kindle, Mariah Lyttle, Kareem Marsh, Alan Mingo, Jr., Anthony Murphy, Dustin Praylow, Cristina Rae, Matthew Sims Jr, Avilon Trust Tate, Keenan D. Washington and Timothy Wilson.

Here's a look at all the stars on opening night:

Deborah Cox and Wayne Brady

<p>Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images</p> Deborah Cox and Wayne Brady at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Deborah Cox and Wayne Brady at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker

<p>Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images</p> Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Brandee Evans

<p>Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images</p> Brandee Evans at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Brandee Evans at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Noah Galvin and Ben Platt

<p>John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images</p> Noah Galvin and Ben Platt at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images

Noah Galvin and Ben Platt at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Amber Ruffin

<p>John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images</p> Amber Ruffin at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images

Amber Ruffin at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Sherri Shepherd

<p>John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images</p> Sherri Shepherd at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images

Sherri Shepherd at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Sunny Hostin

<p>Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images</p> Sunny Hostin at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Sunny Hostin at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Andy Cohen

<p>John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images</p> Andy Cohen at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images

Andy Cohen at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Tamron Hall

<p>John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images</p> Tamron Hall at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images

Tamron Hall at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Hillary Rodham Clinton

<p>Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images</p> Hillary Rodham Clinton at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Hillary Rodham Clinton at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Peppermint

<p>John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images</p> Peppermint at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images

Peppermint at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Leslie Uggams

<p>John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images</p> Leslie Uggams at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images

Leslie Uggams at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

LaChanze

<p>Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images</p> LaChanze at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

LaChanze at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Stephanie Mills

<p>Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images</p> Stephanie Mills at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Stephanie Mills at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Shanice Williams

<p>Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images</p> Shanice Williams at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Shanice Williams at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Nichelle Lewis

<p>John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images</p> Nichelle Lewis at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images

Nichelle Lewis at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Avery Wilson

<p>Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images</p> Avery Wilson at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Avery Wilson at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Phillip Johnson Richardson

<p>Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images</p> Phillip Johnson Richardson at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Phillip Johnson Richardson at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Kyle Ramar Freeman

<p>Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images</p> Kyle Ramar Freeman at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Kyle Ramar Freeman at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Melody A. Betts

<p>Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images</p> Melody A. Betts at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Melody A. Betts at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Huma Abedin

<p>Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images</p> Human Abedin at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Human Abedin at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Ben Vereen

<p>John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images</p> Ben Vereen at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images

Ben Vereen at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Melba Moore

<p>Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images</p> Melba Moore at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Melba Moore at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Ken Page

<p>Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images</p> Ken Page at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Ken Page at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

Anna Wintour

<p>John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images</p> Anna Wintour at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

John Nacion/Variety via Getty Images

Anna Wintour at the opening night of 'The Wiz' held at the Marquis Theatre on April 17, 2024 in New York City

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