Its soundtrack became her Rosetta Stone, opening entire worlds in her imagination and, ultimately, keying her into the possibilities of music and performance. “It was so huge in the Black culture,” said Betts, 46, who was an infant when the movie version of “The Wiz” came out in 1978, with Diana Ross as a grownup version of Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow. With an ebullient R&B/soul score by Charlie Smalls, the musical triumphed on Broadway in 1975, winning seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and running for four years. This gig is special to her, not just because of the Broadway trajectory: It’s the show itself, which has made a deep impact for almost half a century. When not touring, she lives with her 19-year-old daughter in Old Irving Park/Avondale.
The show marks a career high for Betts, who grew up in Belmont-Cragin and sang in a gospel choir in Humboldt Park. Uptown, Edgewater, Rogers Park Open dropdown menu.South Chicago, East Side Open dropdown menu.Pilsen, Little Village, Back of the Yards Open dropdown menu.Lincoln Square, North Center, Irving Park Open dropdown menu.Lakeview, Wrigleyville, Northalsted Open dropdown menu.
Jefferson Park, Portage Park, Norwood Park Open dropdown menu.
Betts' Double Role In 'The Wiz' Before It Heads To Broadway Close
