Schele Williams is set to make her Broadway directorial debut with both “The Notebook” and the revival of “The Wiz” this spring, a historic achievement as the first Black woman to direct a full-fledged musical on Broadway since Vinnette Carroll in 1972. Despite other trailblazers like Camille A. Brown, the significance of Williams’ achievement stands out due to the popularity of musicals like “Dreamgirls” and “The Color Purple” that highlight Black women’s experiences. Williams reflects on the lack of representation of Black women in key roles behind the scenes of major Broadway productions and aims to change that narrative by bringing her own voice to the table. She refuses to conform to what she believes the room expects of her and is looking forward to creating more opportunities for women of color in the industry.
“The Notebook” and “The Wiz” are two very different musicals that Williams is directing, both featuring Black women in principal roles. “The Notebook,” co-directed by Michael Grief, is based on Nicholas Sparks’ romance novel and features a mixed-race cast portraying the characters of Noah and Allie through varying ages. Meanwhile, “The Wiz” is a reimagined take on “The Wizard of Oz” with an all-Black cast, a cultural touchstone for Black audiences since its Broadway premiere in 1975. Williams finds personal resonance in “The Notebook” due to her mother’s experience with Alzheimer’s disease, which is a central theme of the story. “The Wiz” presented challenges in updating the show to appeal to a modern audience while preserving its cultural impact and beloved score.
Williams worked with writer Amber Ruffin to update “The Wiz” in a way that acknowledges the cultural impact of Blackness on fashion, music, and dance without feeling forced. Choreographer JaQuel Knight reimagined classic songs with a fresh perspective, such as turning “He’s the Wiz” into a New Orleans second-line parade. Through these updates, Williams aims to engage younger audiences and create a more inclusive theater experience. With her Broadway directorial debut now complete, Williams plans to watch every show that has opened on Broadway before diving into new, female-centric projects currently in development. She encourages aspiring theater directors to cultivate patience and persistence in pursuing their dreams, noting that her faith and determination were key to her success.
Williams’ debut as a Broadway director marks a significant milestone for representation in the industry, as she becomes the first Black woman to direct a full-fledged musical on Broadway in decades. Her projects “The Notebook” and “The Wiz” offer diverse and inclusive representations of Black women in key roles, challenging the status quo in a predominantly white and male-dominated industry. By bringing her unique perspective and voice to the table, Williams is paving the way for future generations of women of color in theater. Through her work, she aims to create more opportunities for diverse voices to be heard and celebrated on Broadway.
