Los Angeles audiences are being invited to follow the yellow brick road in a bold new way as MUSE/IQUE presents BACK TO OZ: From the Wonderful Wizard to The Wiz, to Wicked — An American Fairy Tale, a rich musical journey that celebrates the enduring cultural power of Oz through the lens of American music, imagination, and identity.
Presented as part of the organization’s 2026 season theme, “Where the Heart Is: 250 Years of American Music and Innovation,” this highly anticipated production will run April 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, and 26, 2026 at the Mark Taper Forum in Downtown Los Angeles. Led by Artistic & Music Director Rachael Worby, the production features acclaimed vocalists Carmen Cusack, LaVance Colley, Nathan Granner, the DC6 Singers Collective, and the MUSE/IQUE Orchestra, in partnership with Center Theatre Group.
At its heart, BACK TO OZ explores why the story of Dorothy and her fellow travelers has continued to resonate for more than a century. From L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel to the beloved 1939 MGM film, to the soulful brilliance of The Wiz and the global sensation of Wicked, Oz has remained one of America’s most powerful storytelling landscapes. Through iconic songs such as “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” “Home,” and “For Good,” MUSE/IQUE’s latest work invites audiences to reflect on belonging, courage, identity, and the meaning of home.
What makes this production especially compelling is its cultural depth. Oz has never belonged to just one generation or one audience. It has spoken to dreamers, outsiders, artists, children, queer communities, and Black audiences alike — each finding themselves reflected in Dorothy’s journey and the world around her. The Wiz in particular transformed the tale into a vibrant expression of Black creativity and resilience, while Wicked reimagined the story for modern audiences by asking who gets labeled “wicked” and why.
This season offering also expands MUSE/IQUE’s community reach. On April 23, more than 700 local middle and high school students will attend through the organization’s growing Student Matinee program, giving young people an opportunity to experience the emotional and artistic legacy of Oz through immersive live performance.
The featured artists bring exceptional range and star power to the stage. Carmen Cusack, a two-time Tony Award nominee, adds Broadway prestige. LaVance Colley brings gospel, jazz, and R&B dynamism, with credits that include performances alongside Beyoncé and John Legend. Nathan Granner, known for his celebrated tenor voice, contributes operatic richness, while the DC6 Singers Collective infuses the production with genre-blending vocal excellence rooted in Los Angeles artistry.
Key highlights of BACK TO OZ include:
- Performance dates: April 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, and 26, 2026
- Venue: Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Presented by: MUSE/IQUE in partnership with Center Theatre Group
- Season theme: Where the Heart Is: 250 Years of American Music and Innovation
- Student engagement: 700+ students attending the April 23 Student Matinee
- Admissions: Available now at muse-ique.com
Admission and membership details:
- Non-member tickets start at $75 for a single admission
- Trial membership starts at $100 and includes admission for two
- MUSE/IQUE membership begins at $350
- Members receive complimentary admission to all MUSE/IQUE events
As a member-supported nonprofit performing arts organization, MUSE/IQUE continues to redefine the live orchestral experience by blending music, storytelling, and researched curation into meaningful artistic adventures. With BACK TO OZ, the organization once again demonstrates its ability to transform familiar material into a timely, emotionally resonant experience for Los Angeles audiences.
For theater lovers, music enthusiasts, and anyone who has ever searched for a place to belong, BACK TO OZ promises to be one of the most moving and imaginative live cultural events of the spring season.
To learn more or secure admissions, visit muse-ique.com and http://www.muse-ique.com/membership.
