How 'The Wiz' Went From Nearly Closing On Opening Night To Becoming A Tony-Winning Hit

How 'The Wiz' Went From Nearly Closing On Opening Night To Becoming A Tony-Winning Hit
FILE - In this Oct. 4, 1977 file photo, Diana Ross, center, as Dorothy, Michael Jackson, right, as Scarecrow, and Nipsey Russell as Tinman perform during filming of the musical "The Wiz" in New York. Ted Ross, portraying the Lion, is partly hidden behind Russell. (AP Photo, file)
FILE - In this Oct. 4, 1977 file photo, Diana Ross, center, as Dorothy, Michael Jackson, right, as Scarecrow, and Nipsey Russell as Tinman perform during filming of the musical "The Wiz" in New York. Ted Ross, portraying the Lion, is partly hidden behind Russell. (AP Photo, file)

This is a story of a Broadway phenomenon, a show in so much trouble its closing notice was posted on opening night and which was forcibly turned into Broadway's biggest hit, all in a matter of weeks. The Wiz made theatre history overnight. Here is how it happened.

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