I thought I needed a little Nipsey Russell, so I watched "The Wiz" (1978). I remember going to the theatre to see this as a kid. It is generally considered a poorly written and directed script (i.e. no one likes the self determination messages). The production is big and fantastic. 33 year old Diana Ross playing 24 year old Dorothy is strange - she is a bit stiff. I don't think I caught the poppy girls being prostitutes when I was a kid. I think LaToya plays an uncredited role in the opening dinner scene. I love that when Mabel King is about to cook Toto, she offers Dorothy a choice of mustard or sauerkraut. No ketchup on the hot dog. Mabel King might be wicked, but she is not a monster. It was some fun.