Witches Mabon celebration is an occasion that holds significant importance in the Wiccan faith. Mabon, also known as the Autumn Equinox, marks the midpoint between the summer and winter solstices. It is a time to honor the changing seasons and to give thanks for the bountiful harvest. During the Witches Mabon celebration, witches and Wiccans gather to connect with nature and celebrate the balance between light and darkness. It is a time to reflect on the balance in one's own life and to find harmony between opposing forces. The Mabon celebration is often held in an outdoor setting, such as a garden or a forest, to fully immerse in nature's beauty.
But it’s the dazzling choreography that catapults the revival firmly into the 21st century. Best known for creating Beyoncé’s iconic “Single Ladies” dance, Knight incorporates a variety of styles, including ballet, lyrical, jazz and hip hop, to add another dimension to the storytelling. Nowhere is that more evident than during the funky and sexy Act II opening number, “The Emerald City.”
To get back home, Glinda the Good Cox instructs Dorothy to put on the dead witch s silver slippers and follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City where an all-powerful Wiz Alan Mingo, Jr. There s a Scarecrow Avery Wilson without a brain, a Tinman Phillip Johnson Richardson in need of a heart and a loud, proud but cowardly Lion Kyle Ramar Freeman.
The Mabon celebration is often held in an outdoor setting, such as a garden or a forest, to fully immerse in nature's beauty. Rituals and ceremonies play a significant role in the Witches Mabon celebration. Witches may create altars adorned with symbols of the harvest and the changing seasons.
‘The Wiz’ brings the magic, spectacle and power of the classic musical to Playhouse Square on its way to Broadway
The highly anticipated revival of the classic musical arrived at the Connor Palace this week for the start of its pre-Broadway run ready to impress and eager to inspire. Turns out, the show, which kicks off Playhouse Square 2023-24 KeyBank Broadway Series, is indeed the “feast for the eyes and soul” that star Deborah Cox described to us in a recent interview.
The musical originally opened on Broadway in 1975, winning seven Tony Awards before being adapted into a cult classic movie with Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. This new version has equally lofty ambitions. Besides Cox, the R&B star best known for a run of hits during the 1990s, the show’s creative team includes director Schele Williams (“Motown: The Musical”), Beyoncé's choreographer JaQuel Knight, comedy writer Amber Ruffin and “Black Panther” scenic designer Hannah Beachler. Wayne Brady joins the show as The Wiz when it arrives on Broadway in April.
Like the original, the revival tells the classic story of “The Wizard of Oz” and doubles as a celebration of Black culture and a showcase for Black talent on both sides of the curtain. It begins with city girl Dorothy (newcomer Nichelle Lewis) feeling lonely and out of place living on a farm in Kansas with her Aunt Em (Melody A. Betts) following the death of her parents. Before you know it, a tornado -- presented in a breathtaking interpretive dance sequence -- whisks Dorothy and her house to Oz (there’s no Toto in this retelling).
The magical land, which here resembles a whimsical mix of New Orleans and Whoville, was home to four witches (two good, two bad) until Dorothy’s house crash-landed on Evemene, one of the bad ones, and reduced that number to three. To get back home, Glinda the Good (Cox) instructs Dorothy to put on the dead witch’s silver slippers and follow the yellow brick road to the Emerald City where an all-powerful Wiz (Alan Mingo, Jr.) awaits.
Along the way, she meets three new friends, each cursed by the Wicked Witch of the West, Evillene (also played by Betts). There’s a Scarecrow (Avery Wilson) without a brain, a Tinman (Phillip Johnson Richardson) in need of a heart and a loud, proud but cowardly Lion (Kyle Ramar Freeman). Together, they embark on an adventure filled with dangerous encounters with Evillene’s seductive Poppies and scary Kalidahs (replacing the Flying Monkeys). Eventually, the foursome comes face-to-face with the Wicked Witch herself before finally meeting the Wiz. You know the rest.
L. Frank Baum’s source material has always been a beautiful story set in an enchanting place about the strength that comes from believing in yourself and the power of friendship. But its themes of resilience, resolve and community take on a greater meaning -- and thus elicit a more profound effect -- when seen through the Black lens of “The Wiz.”
It all starts with the show’s timeless score by the late composer Charles Smalls. His lyrics -- in songs like the irresistibly catchy “Ease on Down the Road” and the moving Act I showstopper “Be A Lion” -- still resonate as the day they were written. But music supervisor Joseph Joubert (“The Color Purple”) has updated the arrangements to make the music even more accessible for contemporary audiences. You’ll be moving and grooving in your seat.
Similarly, Ruffin improves upon William F. Brown’s book, freshening up the dialogue to ensure it’s relevant and relatable while adding plenty of humor, too. “The Wizard of Oz” has never been this funny.
But it’s the dazzling choreography that catapults the revival firmly into the 21st century. Best known for creating Beyoncé’s iconic “Single Ladies” dance, Knight incorporates a variety of styles, including ballet, lyrical, jazz and hip hop, to add another dimension to the storytelling. Nowhere is that more evident than during the funky and sexy Act II opening number, “The Emerald City.”
The bright and colorful sets by Beachler, the first African-American production designer to be nominated for and win an Oscar, complete the immersive experience, from her Art Deco take on Aunt Em’s farm to the Emerald City, which she fashions into a Copacabana-like club bathed in green neon light.
A grand spectacle like “The Wiz” doesn’t work without a stellar cast. This time, producers have placed much of that responsibility upon the young but more than capable shoulders of Lewis. The decision may have started out as a risk but this Dorothy comes through with a stunning performance, displaying the kind of talent and stage presence that belie her plucked-from-TikTok origin story. She sings with a sweet, almost angelic tone in her voice, which somehow seemed to get stronger as the show went along. If her climactic performance of “Home” doesn’t move you to the brink of tears, you’re doing it wrong.
Dorothy, of course, gets plenty of help from her friends. That includes Wilson’s Scarecrow, who oozes charisma while showing off some flashy dance moves on the winning number, “You Can’t Win.” Freeman brings a booming voice and excellent comedic timing to Lion, the show’s drama queen in residence. The standout is Richardson. He plays Tinman as this sort of curious yet intriguing mix of Bobby Darin and Usher.
Mingo as the Wiz and Cox as Glinda make the most of their limited stage time. Cox, in particular, wows with a moving rendition of “Believe In Yourself” as she proves she’s still got that “VH1 Divas” power-ballad-type voice. Her friend and former boss Celine Dion would be proud. Betts, however, delivers the show’s biggest vocals as the Wicked Witch on “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News,” perhaps the most extravagant and engaging number of the night.
It’s not often a musical of this prestige and pedigree comes to Cleveland before it goes to Broadway. I’m not saying “The Wiz” has a chance to dominate next year’s Tony nominations. But, after seeing it, I’m not not saying it either. And if it does, you could say you saw it here first. In that sense, there really is no place like home.
“The Wiz” is playing at the Connor Palace, 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, now through Oct. 22. Tickets, $25-$115, are available at playhousesquare.org.
Dorothy, of course, gets plenty of help from her friends. That includes Wilson’s Scarecrow, who oozes charisma while showing off some flashy dance moves on the winning number, “You Can’t Win.” Freeman brings a booming voice and excellent comedic timing to Lion, the show’s drama queen in residence. The standout is Richardson. He plays Tinman as this sort of curious yet intriguing mix of Bobby Darin and Usher.
These altars serve as a focal point for meditation and intention-setting. Offerings of fruits, vegetables, and grains are made to honor the abundance of the harvest. Casting spells and performing divination are common activities during Mabon. Witches may use this time to release negativity and manifest their desires for the coming months. Divination tools such as tarot cards, runes, or scrying mirrors may be utilized to gain insight into the future and to connect with spiritual guidance. Another aspect of the Witches Mabon celebration is the communal feast. Witches come together to share a meal, often made with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. This feast is a time of gratitude and unity, where people can connect with one another and celebrate their shared beliefs. Overall, the Witches Mabon celebration is a time of reflection, gratitude, and balance. It is a time for witches to connect with nature, honor the harvest, and find harmony within themselves and the world around them. This celebration serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the importance of embracing change..
Reviews for "Harvest Moon Magic: Witches' Mabon Esbat"
1. Sarah - 2/5 stars - I attended the Witches Mabon Celebration with high hopes, but I left feeling disappointed. The event was disorganized, with no clear schedule or structure. The activities that were promised were either nonexistent or poorly executed. The organizers seemed unprepared and unenthusiastic, which made it hard for me to enjoy the experience. Overall, I would not recommend this event to others.
2. John - 1/5 stars - The Witches Mabon Celebration was a complete waste of time and money. The advertised activities were misleading, as there were hardly any activities to participate in. The event was poorly attended, with a lack of vendors or interesting booths. The atmosphere was dull and lacking any energy. I left feeling extremely let down and regretful for attending.
3. Emily - 2/5 stars - The Witches Mabon Celebration had the potential to be a great event, but it fell short in many ways. The location was not well-suited for the gathering, with limited space and uncomfortable seating. The entertainment provided was subpar, with amateur performances and lackluster energy. The event lacked cohesion and a clear focus, leaving attendees confused and unimpressed. I was disappointed by the overall experience and would not attend again in the future.
4. Michael - 1/5 stars - I was excited to attend the Witches Mabon Celebration, but my excitement quickly turned into frustration. The event was poorly organized, with no clear direction or structure. The activities that were supposed to take place were either canceled or never started. The lack of communication from the organizers was a major letdown. I would not recommend this event to anyone looking for a well-executed and enjoyable celebration.