THE WIZ Tituss Burgess - Nikki M. James La Jolla 2006

Tituss Burgess was the Lion and Nikki M. James (Tony winner/"The Book of Mormon") was Dorothy in Des McAnuff's hi-tech production of "The Wiz" at the La Jolla Playhouse in 2006. With Michael Benjamin Washington and Rashad Naylor. "Be a Lion" begins at 3:57

[@mpuppybreath]

Thank you again for posting such gifts for your community here!

[@beautitudes]

Had the pleasure of swinging this show. I always cried watching Nikki and Titus sing this. Still do 😢 this show would have been such a gift to so many on Broadway. The cast is so talented.

[@GETOSUPASTAR]

“Be A Lion” is my all time favorite musical theater song. Makes me cry anytime I hear it. This is one of the best renditions I’ve ever seen. Wow… just, WOW! I wish I had a chance to see this live… ❤️

[@DavidBlakeTheatre]

I CAN NOT BELIEVE you have this! I saw this production and remember the entire theater shaking on this number. I'd never heard of either of them. When I saw Great Comet in the downtown tent, she was there and I approached her table and said "The first time I saw you was in the Wiz at La Jolla and I've been a huge fan ever since" which surprised her since it was so long ago. She and her table were so sweet and appreciative and she signed my program. Total theater-nerd moment. Thanks for posting!

[@broadwayindie]

Jesus this is my favorite thing Nikki M. James has ever sung. Like I never feels like she quite gets to shine in the roles she gets, THIS though THIS is Perfect.

[@kevinkiniry3941]

what a great "Be a Lion" - Nikki really shines

[@sohoboy506]

David Alan Grier as The Wiz, Nikki M. James as Dorothy, Titus Burgess as Lion, Rashad Naylor as Scarecrow, Michael Benjamin Washington

[@superstarbeautyqueen4013]

Lord they can sing!!!!

[@diegojimenez8757]

vocals for days. singing for their lives

[@user-eb1bk6gi4r]

I’ve been looking for this for years ! We need more of this such a gem

[@ericneher5139]

If you were lucky enough to see this live (which I did 3 times), you will never forget it. Nikki and Tituss were incredible! <3

[@broadwaymac486]

Saw this and have been looking everywhere for footage!

[@bookboybrs90]

Thanks Hope for more Wiz

[@sheismymom]

this production looks amazing thank you for sharing

[@lester10023]

These two great performers taking us there and beyond. Pure theater magic.

[@F-G-Silva]

Wow, what a cast! Thanks for the video!

[@JainaMSolo]

Ahhhhh I love that you have this! I was a stitcher in the costume shop for this production-- such great memories!

[@JScott-jm1bo]

I have been looking for videos of this for years!! I will never understand why this revival didn’t make it to NY!

[@PaulMJones-vj1tl]

Great showing!

[@bryantkeller9278]

Amazing. 💚