Singer Deborah Cox Discusses Role in the Revival of ‘The Wiz’ on Broadway

Deborah Cox is making her return to Broadway, this time as Glinda the Good Witch in the 2024 revival of the beloved classic "The Wiz."

Award-winning singer and songwriter Deborah Cox spoke exclusively to BLACK ENTERPRISE’s Selena Hill about her upcoming dual role as star and co-producer of Broadway’s revival of The Wiz.

Throughout her decades-long career, Cox has accumulated more than 30 credits in both film and music and produced several critically acclaimed albums. Now, the Toronto-born actress is making her return to the stage as Glinda the Good Witch later this year. In her conversation with Hill, Cox spoke about excitedly jumping headfirst into her new role.

“When I got the call from our director, Shelly Williams, about my interest, I immediately said yes and was at the workshop, ready to dive in to figure out what the story is that they wanted to tell this year, what the direction was, [and] what the main goal was about to be,” she said. “I knew that we were going to be embarking on something very controversial, groundbreaking. I know the shoulders that we stand on.”

The 1978 film adaptation of The Wiz boasted the talents of legendary singers Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, and Lena Horne, and eventually became a cult classic among viewers over the years. Cox discussed the pressure of recreating the magic of such an already beloved film.

“I know the expectations of this show, so I knew that we all collectively have big, big shoes to fill because this was a big big hit, and we are retelling a story that is so loved by our audiences. So it was a bit scary,” she shared.

Cox’s interpretation of Glinda draws inspiration from the late Lena Horne’s portrayal of the character in the film. Cox adapted it for the stage, which is much more limited in capacity. “I knew that the impact of Glinda would have to be of the same magnitude onstage. So how do you do that in a musical with only a few moments in the show?” she said.

“For me, Glinda is an anchor. Glinda is manifested out of Dorothy’s faith and hope and trying to find her home. For many of us, home has different meanings, so I wanted to make sure that I portray Glinda to be that solid beacon of hope and light and love and security.”

Cox also discussed the unique thrill of performing on Broadway, recalling the magic of a live experience.

“It is just exhilarating,” she said. “Every single night is different. It’s a different audience; it’s a different experience. You have the opportunity to tell a story with a cast of people that are incredibly talented. You have the lighting, the crew, the musicians, the orchestra. It’s this incredible exchange of energy every single moment, every single scene, so it’s different. It’s literally a different show every single night, and that, for me, is more exciting than being in a studio, recording.”

This role will mark Cox’s third appearance on Broadway, having previously starred in Elton John and Tim Rice’s musical Aida in 2004, and as Lucy in Jekyll & Hyde in 2013.

Watch the full interview below and keep an eye out for the Broadway previews of The Wiz starting in late March.