The Unstoppable Power Of Stephanie Mills: Why Her Original 'The Wiz' Dorothy Is Still Broadway Royalty 50 Years Later
Stephanie Mills’ legendary performance as Dorothy in the original 1975 Broadway production of The Wiz remains one of the most celebrated and pivotal moments in American musical theatre history. As of late 2024, the conversation around her legacy is more vibrant than ever, fueled by the musical's major 50th Anniversary celebration and a highly anticipated Broadway revival that opened in April 2024 at the Marquis Theatre. While a new generation of talent is easing on down the road, Mills herself made a triumphant return to the Broadway stage this year, proving her status as a true theatrical and R&B icon is timeless.
The story of Mills and The Wiz is one of a teenage powerhouse saving a show that was initially predicted to fail, transforming it into a seven-time Tony Award-winning phenomenon. This article dives deep into the star-making role, the musical’s enduring impact, and the latest on the legend’s current activities, providing a complete look at why Stephanie Mills is, and always will be, Broadway royalty.
Stephanie Mills: Biography and Career Profile
Stephanie Dorthea Mills’ journey from Brooklyn, New York, to Broadway stardom is a testament to her prodigious vocal talent and dedication. Her career spans over five decades, encompassing theatre, R&B, and gospel music.
- Full Name: Stephanie Dorthea Mills
- Born: March 22, 1957
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
- Early Career: Began singing gospel music at Brooklyn’s Cornerstone Baptist Church. By age 11, she was performing on Broadway in the musical Maggie Flynn.
- Star-Making Role: Dorothy Gale in the original 1975 Broadway production of The Wiz.
- Theatrical Milestones: The Wiz (1975), Hadestown (2024).
- R&B/Pop Success: Following her Broadway run, Mills launched a highly successful recording career, achieving five Number 1 R&B hits in the 1980s.
- Grammy Award: Won Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1981 for the hit song "Never Knew Love Like This Before."
- Notable R&B Hits: "Home" (from The Wiz, which she re-recorded for R&B success), "I Have Learned to Respect the Power of Love," "I Feel Good All Over," "What Cha Gonna Do with My Lovin'," and "Feel the Fire."
- Legacy: Regarded as one of the most influential African-American vocalists of her generation, successfully bridging the gap between Broadway and mainstream R&B music.
The Original 'Wiz': A Star is Born on the Majestic Theatre Stage
When The Wiz: The Super Soul Musical "Wonderful Wizard of Oz" premiered on January 5, 1975, at the Majestic Theatre, few predicted its success. The production, an African-American retelling of L. Frank Baum's classic novel, was initially plagued by poor reviews and low attendance. It was Stephanie Mills’ raw talent and powerhouse voice that became the show's undeniable saving grace.
At just 17 years old, Mills embodied the role of Dorothy Gale with a blend of youthful innocence and vocal maturity that captivated audiences. Her rendition of the show's signature ballad, "Home," was a showstopper, cementing her status as a teenage superstar. The sheer force of her performance, particularly on the show’s most emotional numbers, helped the musical gain momentum through word-of-mouth, eventually leading to a historic run of 1,672 performances.
The Unforgettable Creative Team and Cast of 1975
The original production’s brilliance was a collective effort, a true milestone for Black representation on Broadway. The creative team included the legendary Charlie Smalls, who wrote the music and lyrics, and William F. Brown, who penned the book. The visionary director and costume designer, Geoffrey Holder, won two Tony Awards for his work, bringing a vibrant, Afro-futuristic aesthetic to the Land of Oz.
Mills was supported by an iconic cast that included:
- Hinton Battle as the Scarecrow (who later won three Tony Awards for choreography).
- Tiger Haynes as the Tin Man.
- Ted Ross as the Lion (who won a Tony Award for his performance).
- Clarice Taylor as Addaperle.
This ensemble, led by Mills, transformed the show into a cultural phenomenon, proving that a major Broadway production with an all-Black cast could achieve massive commercial and critical success. The show’s music, including "Ease On Down the Road" and "Brand New Day," became pop culture anthems, largely thanks to Mills’ powerful vocals.
The 50th Anniversary and the 2024 Broadway Revival
As 2025 marks the 50th Anniversary of the original production, The Wiz is back in the spotlight with a major Broadway revival that premiered on April 17, 2024, at the Marquis Theatre, following a successful national tour. This new production, directed by Schele Williams and featuring choreography by JaQuel Knight, introduces a new generation to the beloved musical.
The new cast is led by Nichelle Lewis as Dorothy, who was discovered through a viral TikTok video from over 2,000 submissions, highlighting the show's continued connection to contemporary culture. The book has been updated with additional material by Emmy Award winner Amber Ruffin, ensuring the story resonates with modern audiences while preserving the original’s soulful heart.
One of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the 2024 revival was whether Stephanie Mills would reprise her role. While she did not return as Dorothy—passing the torch to Lewis—she has been an active supporter and integral part of the anniversary celebrations, attending the opening night and lending her endorsement to the new production.
Stephanie Mills’ Surprising 2024 Broadway Return
While fans hoped to see her on the Yellow Brick Road again, Stephanie Mills made a completely different, yet equally exciting, return to Broadway in 2024. In a move that shocked and delighted theatre critics and fans alike, the Grammy winner joined the cast of the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown. Beginning in July 2024, Mills stepped into the pivotal role of Hermes, the messenger of the gods, replacing the show's original star, André De Shields.
This role, traditionally played by a male actor, showcases Mills’ versatility and star power, proving that her theatrical roots are as strong as her R&B legacy. Her decision to take on a completely new, non-traditional role in a contemporary hit like Hadestown, rather than a nostalgic cameo in The Wiz revival, demonstrates her commitment to challenging herself and remaining a vibrant, relevant force in the theatre world.
Stephanie Mills' legacy is a powerful narrative of breaking barriers. Her performance in 1975 didn't just save a show; it paved the way for future generations of Black artists on Broadway and beyond. Whether she is singing "Home" or guiding the way as Hermes, her impact on American music and theatre is undeniable, ensuring that her name will forever be synonymous with the magic of The Wiz.
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