Families in Birmingham are in for something truly special this winter as The Wiz takes the stage at Red Mountain Theatre from February 6 through March 1, 2026.
Directed by NYC-based multihyphenate artist Monet, this new production brings fresh energy and cultural celebration to the beloved classic. Monet returns to RMT after directing The Color Purple in 2024 and Waitress in 2025, both hits with local audiences.
A Celebration of Black Culture & Creativity
For Monet, The Wiz is rooted in honoring Black culture and creativity. Her vision for this production draws inspiration from hip hop, 90s and early 2000s fashion, and Afrofuturism.
The vibrant set design by Kimberly Powers and costumes by Twyla Grider reflect this aesthetic, featuring visual nods to cultural icons like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Tupac Shakur. (Grider, a Huntsville native, is a nationally respected designer whose most recent Alabama project was for The World Games in 2022.)
High-Energy Dance & “If You Know, You Know” Moments
Choreography for the show is created by Maleek Washington, who blends the original dance style of The Wiz with modern moves and social dance trends.
According to Monet, audiences can expect plenty of fun surprises and “if you know, you know” moments throughout the numbers.
A Talented Cast with Local Favorites
The cast features many familiar faces from Birmingham’s theatre scene, including:
Cameron S. White as The Lion
Dorian as The Tinman
Joining them are two NYC-based actors making their RMT debuts:
Kaléa Leverette as Dorothy
Shawn Smith as The Scarecrow
Monet describes the cast as “perfect,” noting how special it is when performers truly come together on stage.
More Than Just a Musical
While audiences can expect the high-energy songs and joyful spirit that make The Wiz so beloved, Monet hopes families will experience something deeper, too.
She wants viewers to enjoy the humor and excitement — while also taking time to reflect on the beautiful lyrics and meaningful moments throughout the show.
Performance Details
📅 Dates: February 6 – March 1, 2026
⏰ Evening Shows: 7:30pm, Thursday–Saturday
🌤️ Matinees: 2pm, Saturdays & Sundays
Accessible Performances:
Saturday, February 14 at 2pm (ASL & Audio Description)
Sunday, February 22 at 2pm (ASL)
🎟️ Tickets: Start at $40
🌐 Available at: redmountaintheatre.org
👨👩👧👦 Recommended Ages: 8 and up
