BC Flashback: The Wiz

I liked the Wizard of Oz.

I loved the Wiz.

I remember seeing this movie as a kid.

It was on regular TV and I was HOOKED. Man the music, the story, Michael Jackson, yep it was the best thing since cornbread to me. And Eveline? Whew. She scared the bejesus out of me as did those motorcycle/flying monkeys. I had a second grade teacher that I used to secretly call Eveline. She was about her size, color and walked just like her. Man oh man, talk about being on your best behavior.

I remember being on pins and needles when they were walking through the tunnel on their way to find The Wiz. Right before the motorcycle/flying monkey’s attacked, I was holding my breath, hoping Dorthy and crew would make it safely, secretly knowing they wouldn’t and when they were finally attacked…man…I ’bout jumped outta my skin and passed out. It’s a wonder I’m still alive. I was going to be the only seven year old having a heart attack.

And outside of the fact that this was a movie full of people who looked like me…the music…the music was infectious. Easing down the Yellow Brook Road was never more fun. And as scary as Eveline was, she had the best song in the movie:

The Wiz for me ranks right up there with the (original) Star Wars Trilogy, another movie that I will stop and watch anytime they are on TV because I love them just that much. I will forever love The Wiz and just recently introduced it to a new generation of youngins who have also been captivated by the music, the dance and sheer spectacle of it all.

We have had to bid adieu to another Wiz actor, Michael Joseph Jackson, but he will live on forever as that scared scarecrow with the sweet disposition and brilliant mind who helped Dorthy find her way back home.

R.I.P Michael Joseph Jackson