Okay who else feels sorry for the wizard. I mean he is a major major character...he sings twice and both songs can be somewhat dull....I hate watching his scenes because I sleep...it's sad. But I do think its great how all the Bway veterans get to play him!

haha, that's funny. I don't like the Wizard's charatcer... but it's funny how all of the 'bway veterans' get to play him.... hehe

If you think back to the movie, even though it is titled "The Wizard of Oz", you don't actually see the Wizard all that much. He basically has three scenes in the movie, like in the musical.

But, as major character in pop culture (as we know it), the Wizard is a really underwritten character. My understanding is that L. Frank Baum's follow-up to Wizard of Oz has more for the Wizard to do so that might be a book to read.

That's true ya know. Even though he is never seen, his charaxter is considered valueable to the plot. Odd.

I enjoy wonderful! joel grey and his little impish personality pull it off greatly. Vereen does the same thing, adding his own failr to it. Hearn doesnt dance it, but his voice just floats over the notes. the song has alot of really important details.

There's 13 follow ups to the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. I don't think he's in the second book at all.

I think the character is purposfully underwritten so the focus is where it's supposed to be. Wicked is about the witches, mostly Elphaba. And the Wizard of Oz was about Dorothy's journey. Her goal was to see the Wizard and get home, but the movie was all about the getting there. The Wizard is more like a supporting character.

poor wizard of oz.. haha
i don't know... i think his character's background/life could be explored more - but then again, it would probably have to a be a musical in itself.... in which case elphaba, glinda, dorothy would all be supporting characters

The fact that he's not explored so much is the whole point. He's supposed to be the mysterous wizard of oz.

And besides, he gets special billing so I don't think the actors playing him have much reason to complain.

It wouldn't be a very stressful role, I don't think. Hey, if you've been here for a while and want to take easy, c'mon down and play the Wizard!

I don't like how they made him annoying to listen to. I can NOT stand that stupid song 'Wonderful'.

I think the Wizard serves his purpose in the show. He doesn't need much stage-time. And while I don't like "Sentimental Man," "Wonderful" is really growing on me.

I tend to skip over the Wizard's songs on the CD but I LOVE watching Ben Vereen play the role. I think he adds such flair and happiness to the role and he's just a joy to watch.

And I agree that it's good that he doesn't get much stage time, it's all about the mysteriousness....hence the big talking head haha.

I really don't like The Wizard at all...idk why...

A person (actor) in particular or the role as a whole?

I like the wizards character, and i love the song wonderful. I wish it was longer though. it kind of goes in to that fast dancy bit at the end and i want to hear some singing to that bit. Joel Grey is a legend and IS the wizard for me. he seems so old and fuddy duddy and teddybearish that you want to hug him but then he turns out to be this horrible man. tis grand!
Sentimental man sucks but i like the tie in of 'everyone deserves tha chance to fly' but it could have been a better song, not that i could have done any better though!
~Bubbles~

i love the song Wonderful.....im using it 2 audtition for a musical later in the year i think lol :ha: