Schele Williams is making history as the first Black woman to direct a full-fledged musical on Broadway since Vinnette Carroll in 1972. She is making her directorial debut this spring with two high-profile productions, “The Notebook” and the revival of “The Wiz.” Williams reflects on the lack of Black women’s voices in the Broadway musical scene, despite the success of shows like “Dreamgirls” and “The Color Purple” that center on Black women’s experiences. She describes her directorial debut as a milestone that she wishes had already been achieved in the industry.
“The Notebook” and “The Wiz” represent two different sides of Williams’ life, both featuring Black women in principal roles. “The Notebook,” co-directed by Michael Grief, is an adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ novel with mixed-race actors playing Noah and Allie. “The Wiz,” a reimagined take on “The Wizard of Oz,” features an all-Black cast and has been a cultural touchstone for Black audiences since its premiere in 1975. Williams reflects on the challenges and unique opportunities presented by each production, particularly the personal connection she felt to the Alzheimer’s storyline in “The Notebook.”
Williams worked to update “The Wiz” to make it more relevant to modern audiences, particularly younger viewers. She wanted to acknowledge the cultural impact of Blackness on fashion, music, and dance without making the show feel forced or outdated. Choreographer JaQuel Knight revamped the choreography for songs like “He’s the Wiz,” infusing new energy and elements while staying true to the original score. Williams aims for her productions to resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds, including her own daughters who she hopes will find connection and ownership within the shows.
Following the success of her Broadway directorial debut, Williams plans to see every show that has opened on Broadway this season and dive into new projects in the pipeline. She emphasizes the importance of patience and persistence for aspiring theater directors, noting that she always believed in her talent and refused to give up on her dreams. Through her groundbreaking work in “The Notebook” and “The Wiz,” Schele Williams is paving the way for more diverse voices and perspectives to be heard in the world of Broadway musicals. Her accomplishments mark a significant milestone in Broadway history and signal a shift towards greater inclusivity and representation on stage.
