THE WIZ
BERGLUND PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE
Everybody look around! The Tony Award®-winning Best Musical that took the world by storm is back and coming to ROANOKE.
THE WIZ returns “home” to stages across America in an all-new tour.
The Baltimore Sun raves “Powerhouse performances. Stunning choreography. Visionary sets” and the Chicago Sun-Times proclaims THE WIZ is “An eye-popping and high-intensity revival!”
This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway. From its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock and ’70s funk to the stirring story of Dorothy’s journey to find her place in a contemporary world, that trailblazing spirit comes thrillingly to life in this bold, joy-filled production. THE WIZ sizzles and soars with a Motown, gospel and disco infused score, featuring the now legendary anthems, "Brand New Day," Ease on Down The Road," and " Home."
Beautifully reimagined for the stage, THE WIZ is a full-throttle live experience featuring dazzling choreography, spectacular theatricality and a vibrant vision of Oz for a new generation. It’s an electrifying celebration of music, movement and community, directed by Schele Williams (The Notebook), with choreography by JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” Black Is King). Tony®-nominated and Emmy®-nominated writer and TV host Amber Ruffin (The Amber Ruffin Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers) serves as writer of additional material and Grammy® and Emmy® Award nominee Joseph Joubert (Broadway's The Color Purple, Motown The Musical) serves as music supervisor, orchestrator and music arranger.
The production also includes ‘Everybody Rejoice’ music and lyrics by Luther Vandross, as well as the ‘Emerald City Ballet’ with music by Timothy Graphenreed.
Based on L. Frank Baum’s children’s book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz”, The Wiz takes one of the world’s most enduring (and enduringly white) American fantasies, and transforms it into an all-Black musical extravaganza for the ages.
THE WIZ premiered on Broadway in 1975 and became an instant sensation, going on to win seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Ted Ross), Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Dee Dee Bridgewater), Best Choreography (George Faison), and in a Broadway first, Best Direction of a Musical and Best Costume Design (Geoffrey Holder). “Ease on Down the Road” became the show’s break-out single, and “Home” has since become a bona fide classic. That original production ran for four years (first at The Majestic Theatre and later at The Broadway Theatre) – and 1,672 performances – on Broadway. A 1978 film adaptation starred Diana Ross, Ted Ross, Mabel King, Richard Pryor and Lena Horne, and marked Quincy Jones’ first collaboration with Michael Jackson.
AUDIENCE ADVISORY LANGUAGE (FOR WEBSITES AND POP)
THE WIZ is recommended for ages 8+.
THE WIZ runs approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, including intermission.
This production uses haze, smoke and flashing lights.
Featured Events
Join us on Friday, November 6 for Stick it to Cancer Night sponsored by American Cancer Society with Q99.1 FM. The Dawgs will face the Pensacola Ice Flyers. Fans are invited to paint the ice the day before, Thursday, November 5, with names and messages honoring loved ones impacted by cancer. The team will wear specialty jerseys that will be auctioned off, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the American Cancer Society. Puck drops at 7:05 P.M. We'll see ya there!
Grab your four-legged friend and come out to the Rail Yard Dawgs on Saturday, November 7 for our Small Dawg Races sponsored by The Roanoke Times & Roanoke.com! Roanoke takes on the Pensacola Ice Flyers. Humans must register their dawgs in advance. This event is open to dawgs that weigh 25 lbs or less. Puck drops at 7:05 P.M. We'll see ya there!
BERGLUND PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE
Whitney Cummings first gained recognition as a stand-up comedian and has since become one of the most distinctive and influential comedic voices of the past two decades. She co-created and co-wrote the Emmy Award-winning CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls, while simultaneously creating, producing, and starring in NBC’s Whitney. She currently hosts the hit podcast Good for You [podcasts.apple.com] and starred in Friends: The Game Show on Max, a fan competition series celebrating the 30th anniversary of the iconic sitcom Friends.
Known for her bold, observational humor, Cummings is currently touring North America with her Big Baby [whitneycummings.com] tour, delivering her signature sharp wit and fearless perspective on navigating the world as a single mom. Her latest material dives into the chaos of personal growth, the comedy of owning your mistakes, and laugh-out-loud reflections on raising a son. Her stand-up continues to blend personal anecdotes with incisive cultural commentary.
Cummings has released six acclaimed stand-up specials across Netflix, Max, and Comedy Central. Beyond the stage, she’s the author of the 2017 memoir I’m Fine...And Other Lies [barnesandnoble.com], which offers an unflinchingly honest and humorous look at mental health and resilience. That same year, she made her directorial debut with The Female Brain, which she also co-wrote and starred in.
Cummings remains a creative force behind some of entertainment’s most original work. When she’s not on the road, she lives in Los Angeles with her son, Henry, her pack of rescue dogs, and her horse.
Friday, November 13 is a classic night of hockey between the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs and the Athens Rock Lobsters. Puck drops at 7:05 P.M. We’ll see ya there!
Join us for the 38th Annual Stocked Market, the signature fundraiser of the Junior League of Roanoke Valley, at the Berglund Center!
November 13-15, 2026
Friday, November 13
8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Preview Coffee *VIP* Experience ONLY
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - General Admission
Saturday, November 14
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - General Admission
Sunday, November 15
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - General Admission
A one-day, General Admission shopping pass is $12 in advance and $14 at the door.
A Preview Coffee *VIP* shopping pass is $35 in advance, availably online ONLY.
For more information regarding ticket availability, show events, and show merchants, visit www.stockedmarket.org and be sure to follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/stockedmarket and on Instagram at instagram.com/stockedmarket.
Stocked Market is the signature fundraiser of the Junior League of Roanoke Valley (JLRV). Stocked Market proceeds are used to further the JLRV's mission.
A night dedicated to those who serve. Join us for Military Night on Saturday, November 14 sponsored by Sink Septic & Drain Service and Twenty-Six Defense with 94.9 Star Country. The Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs take on the Athens Rock Lobsters. The team will wear specialty jerseys to honor those who served, which will be auctioned off after the game. Puck drops at 7:05 P.M. We'll see ya there!
Roanoke City Tax Sale
The City of Roanoke Delinquent Tax Auction will be held at Berglund Center on November 18th at 11 a.m., featuring a selection of real estate offered through public sale. Bidding will be conducted in a simulcast format, allowing participation both in person and online.
Online bidding opens October 16th at 11 a.m., giving buyers time to review properties and auction materials ahead of the live auction. For property details and the full auction packet, visit www.walkercommercialservices.com or call 540-344-6160.
Berglund Performing Arts Theatre
SHOWTIME: 8 PM
VIP PACKAGE
The magic dance continues. On the heels of a successful global tour to nearly 100 cities, Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert returns in fall 2026 to visit more than 60 North America cities. An unforgettable night of fantasy, music, and nostalgia awaits, as fans celebrate the 40th anniversary of the movie’s 1986 release. Fans are invited to step into the magical world of Jim Henson’s Labyrinth in an exciting fusion of film and live music. Watch the cult classic on a stunning HD screen while a live band performs the full soundtrack in perfect sync with David Bowie’s legendary vocals. From iconic songs like “Magic Dance” to Bowie and Trevor Jones’ sweeping score, the music comes alive like never before. Dress in costume, sing along, and cheer for your favorite characters as Goblin King Jareth, Sarah, and the fantastical creatures of Jim Henson’s Creature Shop leap off the screen.
2026 marks 40 years of Labyrinth. The originally musical fantasy film was released on June 27, 1986. It was directed by Jim Henson and stars Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie.