"The Wiz," the re-telling of "The Wizard of Oz" with an all-Black cast, is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a vibrant new production updated for a modern audience in Boston.

"It stands the test of time because we all want to find out and discover who we are and where we fit in," said Elijan Ahmad Lewis, who plays the Scarecrow, the same role played by Michael Jackson in the movie. "It's an honor to follow him. I know I'll never be Michael Jackson. I don't want to be Michael Jackson, but I want to pay homage to what he created in that icon of a role."

All-Black re-telling of "Wizard of Oz"

As for the Wiz himself, Alan Mingo, Jr. comes straight from Broadway. He said it's a big plus for the audience to know the story and characters before the curtain rises.

"They get to lean forward to listen more, to see what makes this different than a 'Wicked'. What makes this different than a 'Wizard of Oz'? How are you telling this story differently than what I already know? And that's just fun."

While the songs you may know remain, Mingo said they may sound a little different than you remember.

"We took the 70s underpinning out and added some sort of contemporary pop feel to it," said Mingo. "While it's familiar to a lot of people, it's still fresh, something you can hear today."

But the message of the original stays the same.

Message of finding home

"This story, being told for an all-African-American cast, I think it is an eye-opener of how much we are alike than apart," said Lewis. "At one point or another, we are all trying to find where our base is, which is home. What is home to you? What is your foundation? What is your safe place? What is your comfort zone?"

"I know how I felt when I saw this show and it's one of the reasons why I'm in this business today," said Mingo. "And when you see someone who looks like you and acts like you and sings like you. There's a sort of clarity you're being seen and so as we go across the country and seeing little Black and Brown kids see themselves. It's something special."

Lewis said spreading joy is the ultimate goal.

"I just want you to come, leave your cares at the door for two-and-a-half hours, have an amazing time and just live in the moment. Live in each moment and live in a moment with us," said Lewis.

"The Wiz" 50th Anniversary Tour is playing at the Citizens Opera House in Boston through Aug. 24.