PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Elijah Ahmad Lewis was born in Newark, New Jersey. But today, he calls the Poconos home when he’s not on tour, and spends plenty of time in Philadelphia.
“I have lived in certain parts of Philly while working, and I have so many friends here, so it's always a third home for me,” he said.
Lewis is playing the scarecrow in “The Wiz,” running through June 15 at the Academy of Music.
It’s his fifth time performing there.
“It is such a timeless piece. I always like to say that ‘The Wiz’, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ story is so universal,” he said.
“The Wiz” first debuted on Broadway in 1975 and was adapted into a movie three years later, featuring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. Lewis says this latest revival combines inspiration from those past versions with a new vision of the present.
“We've taken new approaches to the music, the iconic music, and just kind of updated it for 2025 and for, you know, all generations to come. It's so great to see generations come,” he said.
“The Wiz” is part of the Ensemble Arts Philly Broadway Series. Tickets are available here.