That is faster than I expected, but it is very funny and if I saw someone like that appear before me and tell me that he was The Wizard I would be terrified
Andre DeShields (the original wizard) invented this concept of The Wizard of Oz, a frightening yet absolutely fabulous and almost god like character. This was an idea that had never been done before in any adaptation, to make the wizard an enigmatic and magical superstar of soul, instead of an old man operating a giant talking head. But Carl Hall took it too another level with his high pitched, almost genderless vocal range and instances of vocal delay. I believe he was a replacement for DeShields during the original 70's run, and was later cast in the 80's tour which led to the 84' broadway revival. Sadly, Carl has passed on, but Andre is still with us and regularly performs this song in the original costume (though without the makeup). Also, there is a audio recording of him singing this song from the original production. It's a lot slower and more epic. The audience goes nuts as he makes his entrance, almost like he's Michael Jackson. Audiences were more lively in the 60's and 70's. Even in movie theaters, such as during showings of the original Star Wars.
This is exactly what this number should represent. It’s almost like you want to characterize against the playful samba. This performer captures this stunningly. The introduction to the wiz, should be more fierce than friendly. The current revival 2024 got this number all wrong.
@@malikharris1192 No. That’s not how music works. Lol - listen to any other cast recording of this show from anywhere in the world, and you’ll be able to tell this was too fast.
