When “The Wiz” follows the yellow-brick road to Kansas City’s Music Hall July 8-13, it brings with it a homecoming. Kyla Jade, the powerhouse vocalist playing Aunt Em and the villainous Evillene in “The Wiz,” has deep Kansas roots.
Jade was born in Manhattan, raised in Topeka, and has family in Wichita, where her great-grandfather built a church and where her singing career began.
“The Voice” third place finisher in the show’s 2018 season, had a stellar career before the television competition and after. She spent 15 years as a lead singer on the Bobby Jones Gospel Hour. She also toured as a backup singer for Wynonna Judd, Patti Labelle and Jennifer Hudson.
Now she’s making her national musical debut in the 50th anniversary tour of “The Wiz, an Award winning show that helped revive Broadway in 1985. .
We spoke with Jade about there being no place like home, signing in church, stepping into Broadway villainy, her Go Chicken Go order, and why “The Wiz” continues to resonate 50 years after its groundbreaking debut.
What’s it like bringing this production to your home?
Kansas has always been one of my biggest supporters. When I was on “The Voice,” Kansas and Kansas City showed out for me and voted for me in a way that I will never forget. So, to be able to come home where so many of my church family members and people who have grown up with me and followed my journey are is very humbling.
What can audiences expect from this production of ‘The Wiz’?
You will see Black excellence, you will see joy, you will see great storytelling, and you will be able to journey with Dorothy to find her place. It’ll be done with fantastic costuming, wonderful lights, and great singing.
My castmates are all just incredible, you’ll be blown away. I mean, just for an example, the choreographer worked with Beyonce, which isn’t nothing. The whole show just oozes excellence.
How did your Kansas upbringing shape your musical journey?
I grew up singing in church, and the thing that helps with the parallels between church and theater is that we learn how to present ourselves very quickly. You learn how to tell stories very early and how to hold people’s attention. Plus, my mother taught me with music, and everything was a song. So now anything in my life is set to the tune of a song, even doing the dishes, and that translates well into musical theater.
Why do you think ‘The Wiz’ has such staying power after 50 years?
Finding a home is universal. Everyone is looking for home, everyone is looking to be accepted, and everyone is looking to be heard. The story can last another 50 years because everyone is searching for that home. Your grandmother, your mom, and your kids can all come and take something from this show.
How’d you go from singing in church to belting it out in The Wiz?
I’ve been singing professionally for over 20 years. My first tour was with Wynonna Judd and The Judds at 21. I’ve been producing and singing background for artists professionally for a long time. I’ve had a couple of things go viral because people have phones now, but there was an impromptu song that I sang for Jennifer Hudson that everyone loved, and that got me an audition for The Voice.
I don’t like competitions, so I didn’t want to do it at first, but I ended up having a good experience. From there, I wanted to just try something new and different. I got a lot of no’s and not-right-nows on my journey, but The Wiz said Yes, and I’ve been thrilled with it.
What’s different about this staging when compared to the movie?
There are a few modern twists, particularly with the dances and music. There’s an infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern tap. It feels modern but still has an old-school feel.
So you still get the same qualities of the original, but this staging brings it current. If you’ve never seen The Wiz or wore out the VHS growing up, you’ll enjoy the show just the same.
Were you intimidated stepping into Evillene’s shoes, following Mabel King and Mary J. Blige?
I wasn’t nervous because I’ve always wanted to play a villain. They get great songs. I wanted to give her a softer side—I wanted her to show her vulnerability.
I enjoyed the challenge of: How do I make this story relevant for now, but still familiar to those who know this character? It was difficult, but it’s been challenging in the most rewarding way.
Any Kansas City food stops planned?
I genuinely miss Go Chicken Go. As soon as I get in, I’m going to go there first. My standard order is a two-piece snack or those gizzards with G sauce.
‘The Wiz’ Showtimes
Tue, July 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Wed, July 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Thu, July 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Fri, July 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Sat, July 12 at 2 & 7:30 p.m.
Sun, July 13 at 1 & 6:30 p.m.Tickets start at $43 at bit.ly/TheWizKCTickets
