May 1, 2025 • 12 mins
D. Jerome is starring in THE WIZ, running at the Hobby Center now through May 4th. Broadway World writer Brett Cullum got to interview him, and they talked about his background as a fierce triple threat who brings new life to his role. THE WIZ has been around for 50 years! But this tour represents a fresh take on the material.
More information:
https://www.thehobbycenter.org/events/the-wiz/
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:03):
D Jerome is coming to Houston to perform in the Wiz
at the Hobby Center.
It's going to run from April29th through May 4th.
Presented by Broadway at theHobby Center, he will be playing
the Ten man.
Now this show has beenreinvented on Broadway and this
is the first tour of thisrevival.
So D Jerome is originally fromNorth Carolina.
He's described as a formidabletriple threat and a lot of his
(00:26):
past shows indicate that.
So hey there, d Jerome.
How are you?
Speaker 2 (00:30):
I'm so well, how's it going?
It is good.
Speaker 1 (00:34):
I am happy to have you.
You know what the Wiz it islike, this cultural phenomenon.
I remember I am old enough toremember when it first came out
I was a kid but I still rememberit and people were just crazy
for this musical.
Why do you think that the whizis so important?
I mean, what is it about thismaterial that just keeps it
going and going and going?
Speaker 2 (00:56):
I don't know, I guess I could say this, brent I think
people love the idea ofsomething that will withstand
time.
I think people like legacy,people love to remember what it
felt like when there was ademand for this cultural shift
and just to feel the vibrationof things changing and, you know
(01:17):
, almost sort of a renaissance.
So I think 50 years ago the whizcame at a time where black
voices maybe weren't reallyelevated and even in that time,
looking at the iterations thatthe whiz had, there were there
were a lot of things like interms of came at a time where
Black voices maybe weren'treally elevated and even in that
time, looking at the iterationsthat the Wiz had, there were a
lot of things like in terms of Isee ballroom scene in there as
well.
So it's kind of like I thinkpeople were hungry for maybe a
new look, a new culture, a newfeeling, a new vibration, and I
(01:40):
think the story of joy andcommunity is what people love to
see and I think that that's whythe legacy of the Wiz is so
important the music, charlieSmall's choreography, the
staging, everything about it.
So yeah, I think people love tosee legacy and we love to see
things be modernized and keephaving effect on our communities
(02:02):
.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
What do you think is different about this version of
the Wiz?
I mean, when you approach it asan artist, what do you see as
the thing that makes it unique?
Speaker 2 (02:09):
So I've done the Wiz before and this iteration of the
Wiz is so special to me and Ithink because I was able to use
so much of my personalbackground to infuse into the
character.
This particular Tin man hassome hip hop chops.
So you know I'm a dancer aswell.
I started at the School of theArts in North Carolina and my
(02:32):
passion grew from there.
This Tin man gets to sing.
He has two songs, he has oneclassic number, slide Some Oil
To Me, and so what I like aboutthis version is that it's a
little bit more.
You know, I see how the musicwas influenced by Alan Rene and
then how our orchestrationsMaster, joseph Dubert, was able
(02:54):
to kind of twerk that music andmake it still sound classic to
the original, but giving it amodern goal.
So this production, I love thefact that it's modern and that
it can, I think the approachwill really connect with all
generations.
Speaker 1 (03:09):
Well, I always have to ask you this what's your
favorite song in the show?
It doesn't have to be yours,but you know my favorite song in
the show is.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
So you Wanted to Meet the Wizard.
I love the song.
I keep saying I'm going to addit to my book, just because I
love the way it sounds.
And to be able to work with theincomparable Andre De Shields
during my time working withGeorge Faison in the 40th
revival in New York City, thatwas just.
(03:38):
It's just unmatched to see himdo it.
And then so now it's like myfavorite song and it's the one
that I secretly want to do.
But I'll never let the Wiz know, because I love my Wiz Love to
you, alan.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
Are you familiar at all with the original?
The movie adaptation?
Yes, okay, so obviously NipseyRussell, nipsey.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Russell yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
He was the Tin man.
Are you doing anything tosalute him or give him a shout
out or anything like that?
Speaker 2 (04:06):
Well, no, you know, in the moments there's a moment
in what would I do if I couldfeel and what I remember about
his iteration, because ithappens before Slide Some Oil in
the film, so they reversedactually.
And when I think about himtalking about what if he could
feel, I remember his hands andhow his nails were like nails,
(04:30):
true nails, and so now I kind ofget my nails painted so I can
like have a little bit of aninspiration there because I
wanted it to look like brokennails.
But during the song there's aline that I say and just to
think the time I could spendbeing vulnerable again and I
kind of fold my hands out.
If I, if I'm tapped in and up,I'll fold them forward.
And I just remember a part ofhis choreography where he had
(04:52):
his hands and his arms kind ofexposed forward, and so that's
my ode to him.
And then I just love theclassic number itself and so I
had to work a little bit to makeit a little more modern,
because I'm like I love the jazz, I love how it sits and I love
the sheet music, but sometimeswe get a chance to make it new.
(05:13):
So it's been really funthinking about him during this
process.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Well, it's very cool because you've got kind of like
in your voice a little bit.
I can hear a little bit ofnipsey there uh, yeah, he's a
raspy sultry guy, yeah right onthere.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
Yeah, I'm wondering how and and then I think I just
kind of resemble tiger ames whoplayed the tin man on broadway
so it's just like I feel likewe're both kind of chocolate
skin and high cheekbones, soit's kind of interesting.
I'm like I'm kind of usingtheir, definitely standing on
their shoulders, yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
Well, speaking of the original cast of the Wiz, the
movie version in 2022, you werein the original MJ on Broadway,
the Michael Jackson musical.
What the heck was that like?
Speaker 2 (05:56):
Yeah, you know, they opened and I was able to join
the company.
Wow, it's been, it's beeninsane.
I, you know, I give all gloryto God and you know, and the
fact that I put the work and thetime part is if anybody can
take anything away from this ifyou're in this industry and
(06:25):
you're going to an audition,don't regret not taking
something with you.
So make sure, if you know youneed your jazz shoes or if you
need something else, half of thebattle is preparedness, and so
at the audition I danced, you'vebeen hit by, uh, uh, you've
been stuck by us.
Something else half of thebattle is preparedness, and so
at the audition I danced, you'vebeen hit by, you've been stuck
(06:46):
by.
You know we had to do it and ifI didn't watch the video
tutorial before that audition, Iwouldn't have been prepared.
So I'll get, I'll get off ofthat, but, yes, be prepared.
So I had my jazz shoes and itwas great.
So after that I joined thecompany and it was just a
surreal experience.
It was so nostalgic to me.
I started in middle school andmy middle school teacher, grady
(07:07):
Miss Grady Smith had us dance tothe Jackson 5, and so that's
literally one of my very firstexperiences in dance, and so to
join the cast, to join theBroadway cast of MJ the musical,
was surreal.
I was like I'm doing I'mactually doing a show where it's
like I'm working with one ofthe fiercest artists to ever
(07:28):
walk this planet and I get to goon stage and I get to live my
childhood dream.
I used to always say my momcould dance for Michael Jackson,
because that's I know.
I got my dancing ability fromher.
She was just an incredibledancer from the videos that I
saw back in the day.
And so I was, you know, joiningthat company.
I can't, I could never replacethat experience.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
So I think every kid wanted to be Michael Jackson.
At some point I learned tomoonwalk.
I mean I was like all into it,yeah for sure.
I don't think I'm going to bedoing this.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
Oh listen hey, hey, come on.
Everybody can do it in theirliving room, and all we need is
a little AI now and you can workit out.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
I gotcha you also toured with Hamilton.
I mean, you're like this popculture divo.
What shows or roles would youlove to do next after you do
this 10-man stint?
Speaker 2 (08:22):
That question has really been coming up a lot and
I believe a lot in you know, Ibelieve a lot in manifestation
and what you say, you know thelaw of attraction in the
universe hears you Okay.
So yes, hamilton was insane.
Now, funny story, I was reallykind of between two because I
(08:47):
had already booked somethingthat I really wanted to do and a
director I wanted to work with.
But then Hamilton came at thetime that it did and I joined
the company and it was anincredible experience, an
incredible story.
I still can't believe that Iwas a member of the Angelica
tour of Hamilton, the music Imean.
You know I don't take itlightly.
A lot of people think like, ohmy God, you always take it
(09:07):
lightly.
I mean I take my work seriouslyand my craft seriously, so I
deserve to be in any room thatI'm in, but it's still surreal
when you're like yo, this is aphenomenon, this is a cultural
awakening.
You know when Hamilton camearound and so the characters I'd
love to play now definitely I'mnot going to back down off of
(09:30):
that.
I think I could play an awesomeHamilton.
I think Aaron Burr is in thestars there I would really love
to play, although he talks a lot.
I love Lafayette Jefferson.
I think that that is the rolethat would kind of capture all
of the nuances of who I could bein those two particular
(09:53):
characters.
But we'll see what happens andI'm open.
Hmm, what else is on Broadwaythat I'd be interested in
playing?
There's a Simba out there.
I actually went in for what'shis name.
In Chicago, I actually went infor Billy Flynn.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
Well, I went in and then I got a packet for Billy
Flynn.
Speaker 2 (10:10):
I sent the whole packet in Heard nothing back.
We Well, I went in and then Igot a packet for Billy Flynn.
I sent the whole packet in,heard nothing back.
We'll see, it just would beamazing to have a young,
dark-skinned Billy Flynn withlocks, up here still giving him
class, giving him sophisticationand just a suave finesse.
So I think I'd really enjoydoing Billy.
Speaker 1 (10:26):
Flynn?
That would be amazing becauseyou know, usually Billy Flynn
just stands there and doesn'tmove while everyone dances
around him.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
So it'd be crazy, because I'm thinking it elevate
me.
You know I love the movement,but people know that everything
is movement.
You know just how wecommunicate in our body language
, and so I'm loving this tin manand how he gets to.
You know, settle into his body,because he literally needs
people to help him move.
And so what does it look like?
From going to being stiff andnot able to move and then
(11:00):
gaining the mobility back again?
How do you tell that story ofactually coming alive?
Speaker 1 (11:06):
So it's fun, I'm having a good time.
Well, it sounds like a goodtime.
I mean the Wiz is going to beplaying Hobby Center in April
29th through may 4th, so we'reall super excited about it.
I can't tell you how popular ozis right now between wicked and
everything else and now this,so ready to come to so ready for
houston it's gonna be ready.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
Yeah, and my birthday is on the 25th, and so I'm
literally coming again.
I'm hoping to throw openingnight birthday bash.
Hopefully we can make it work,but I'm really excited so you're
bringing the Taurus energy?
Speaker 1 (11:40):
is that what you're saying?
Speaker 2 (11:41):
I'm bringing the Taurus energy, but the thing
about it is that it's a Taurus,you know.
I love my Aries feel, becauseI'm April, you know, and I also
like my Virgo moon, you know.
So I really have a.
I'm about business, but Ireally enjoy having a good time
and really connecting withbeautiful people, knowing that
relationships are the source of,you know, our community and so
(12:05):
building relationships and,actually, you know, showing each
other that we see you like I.
I admonish and admire your workand the things that you're
doing to help support, you know,a better community, oh, yeah,
yeah, well, thank you.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
That's what it totally explains why you're a
triple threat right there.
All right, well, thank you.
So much to jerome.
We will see you break legs asthe tin man.
We will stay with you thereopening night.
Speaker 2 (12:29):
I already can't wait to see you.
I'm there.
Hey, let's do it.
I can't wait to see everybodythere.
See you soon, thanks.
D Jerome is coming to Houston to perform in the Wiz
at the Hobby Center.
It's going to run from April29th through May 4th.
Presented by Broadway at theHobby Center, he will be playing
the Ten man.
Now this show has beenreinvented on Broadway and this
is the first tour of thisrevival.
So D Jerome is originally fromNorth Carolina.
He's described as a formidabletriple threat and a lot of his
(00:26):
past shows indicate that.
So hey there, d Jerome.
How are you?
Speaker 2 (00:30):
I'm so well, how's it going?
It is good.
Speaker 1 (00:34):
I am happy to have you.
You know what the Wiz it islike, this cultural phenomenon.
I remember I am old enough toremember when it first came out
I was a kid but I still rememberit and people were just crazy
for this musical.
Why do you think that the whizis so important?
I mean, what is it about thismaterial that just keeps it
going and going and going?
Speaker 2 (00:56):
I don't know, I guess I could say this, brent I think
people love the idea ofsomething that will withstand
time.
I think people like legacy,people love to remember what it
felt like when there was ademand for this cultural shift
and just to feel the vibrationof things changing and, you know
(01:17):
, almost sort of a renaissance.
So I think 50 years ago the whizcame at a time where black
voices maybe weren't reallyelevated and even in that time,
looking at the iterations thatthe whiz had, there were there
were a lot of things like interms of came at a time where
Black voices maybe weren'treally elevated and even in that
time, looking at the iterationsthat the Wiz had, there were a
lot of things like in terms of Isee ballroom scene in there as
well.
So it's kind of like I thinkpeople were hungry for maybe a
new look, a new culture, a newfeeling, a new vibration, and I
(01:40):
think the story of joy andcommunity is what people love to
see and I think that that's whythe legacy of the Wiz is so
important the music, charlieSmall's choreography, the
staging, everything about it.
So yeah, I think people love tosee legacy and we love to see
things be modernized and keephaving effect on our communities
(02:02):
.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
What do you think is different about this version of
the Wiz?
I mean, when you approach it asan artist, what do you see as
the thing that makes it unique?
Speaker 2 (02:09):
So I've done the Wiz before and this iteration of the
Wiz is so special to me and Ithink because I was able to use
so much of my personalbackground to infuse into the
character.
This particular Tin man hassome hip hop chops.
So you know I'm a dancer aswell.
I started at the School of theArts in North Carolina and my
(02:32):
passion grew from there.
This Tin man gets to sing.
He has two songs, he has oneclassic number, slide Some Oil
To Me, and so what I like aboutthis version is that it's a
little bit more.
You know, I see how the musicwas influenced by Alan Rene and
then how our orchestrationsMaster, joseph Dubert, was able
(02:54):
to kind of twerk that music andmake it still sound classic to
the original, but giving it amodern goal.
So this production, I love thefact that it's modern and that
it can, I think the approachwill really connect with all
generations.
Speaker 1 (03:09):
Well, I always have to ask you this what's your
favorite song in the show?
It doesn't have to be yours,but you know my favorite song in
the show is.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
So you Wanted to Meet the Wizard.
I love the song.
I keep saying I'm going to addit to my book, just because I
love the way it sounds.
And to be able to work with theincomparable Andre De Shields
during my time working withGeorge Faison in the 40th
revival in New York City, thatwas just.
(03:38):
It's just unmatched to see himdo it.
And then so now it's like myfavorite song and it's the one
that I secretly want to do.
But I'll never let the Wiz know, because I love my Wiz Love to
you, alan.
Speaker 1 (03:51):
Are you familiar at all with the original?
The movie adaptation?
Yes, okay, so obviously NipseyRussell, nipsey.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
Russell yeah.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
He was the Tin man.
Are you doing anything tosalute him or give him a shout
out or anything like that?
Speaker 2 (04:06):
Well, no, you know, in the moments there's a moment
in what would I do if I couldfeel and what I remember about
his iteration, because ithappens before Slide Some Oil in
the film, so they reversedactually.
And when I think about himtalking about what if he could
feel, I remember his hands andhow his nails were like nails,
(04:30):
true nails, and so now I kind ofget my nails painted so I can
like have a little bit of aninspiration there because I
wanted it to look like brokennails.
But during the song there's aline that I say and just to
think the time I could spendbeing vulnerable again and I
kind of fold my hands out.
If I, if I'm tapped in and up,I'll fold them forward.
And I just remember a part ofhis choreography where he had
(04:52):
his hands and his arms kind ofexposed forward, and so that's
my ode to him.
And then I just love theclassic number itself and so I
had to work a little bit to makeit a little more modern,
because I'm like I love the jazz, I love how it sits and I love
the sheet music, but sometimeswe get a chance to make it new.
(05:13):
So it's been really funthinking about him during this
process.
Speaker 1 (05:17):
Well, it's very cool because you've got kind of like
in your voice a little bit.
I can hear a little bit ofnipsey there uh, yeah, he's a
raspy sultry guy, yeah right onthere.
Speaker 2 (05:28):
Yeah, I'm wondering how and and then I think I just
kind of resemble tiger ames whoplayed the tin man on broadway
so it's just like I feel likewe're both kind of chocolate
skin and high cheekbones, soit's kind of interesting.
I'm like I'm kind of usingtheir, definitely standing on
their shoulders, yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:43):
Well, speaking of the original cast of the Wiz, the
movie version in 2022, you werein the original MJ on Broadway,
the Michael Jackson musical.
What the heck was that like?
Speaker 2 (05:56):
Yeah, you know, they opened and I was able to join
the company.
Wow, it's been, it's beeninsane.
I, you know, I give all gloryto God and you know, and the
fact that I put the work and thetime part is if anybody can
take anything away from this ifyou're in this industry and
(06:25):
you're going to an audition,don't regret not taking
something with you.
So make sure, if you know youneed your jazz shoes or if you
need something else, half of thebattle is preparedness, and so
at the audition I danced, you'vebeen hit by, uh, uh, you've
been stuck by us.
Something else half of thebattle is preparedness, and so
at the audition I danced, you'vebeen hit by, you've been stuck
(06:46):
by.
You know we had to do it and ifI didn't watch the video
tutorial before that audition, Iwouldn't have been prepared.
So I'll get, I'll get off ofthat, but, yes, be prepared.
So I had my jazz shoes and itwas great.
So after that I joined thecompany and it was just a
surreal experience.
It was so nostalgic to me.
I started in middle school andmy middle school teacher, grady
(07:07):
Miss Grady Smith had us dance tothe Jackson 5, and so that's
literally one of my very firstexperiences in dance, and so to
join the cast, to join theBroadway cast of MJ the musical,
was surreal.
I was like I'm doing I'mactually doing a show where it's
like I'm working with one ofthe fiercest artists to ever
(07:28):
walk this planet and I get to goon stage and I get to live my
childhood dream.
I used to always say my momcould dance for Michael Jackson,
because that's I know.
I got my dancing ability fromher.
She was just an incredibledancer from the videos that I
saw back in the day.
And so I was, you know, joiningthat company.
I can't, I could never replacethat experience.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
So I think every kid wanted to be Michael Jackson.
At some point I learned tomoonwalk.
I mean I was like all into it,yeah for sure.
I don't think I'm going to bedoing this.
Speaker 2 (08:02):
Oh listen hey, hey, come on.
Everybody can do it in theirliving room, and all we need is
a little AI now and you can workit out.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
I gotcha you also toured with Hamilton.
I mean, you're like this popculture divo.
What shows or roles would youlove to do next after you do
this 10-man stint?
Speaker 2 (08:22):
That question has really been coming up a lot and
I believe a lot in you know, Ibelieve a lot in manifestation
and what you say, you know thelaw of attraction in the
universe hears you Okay.
So yes, hamilton was insane.
Now, funny story, I was reallykind of between two because I
(08:47):
had already booked somethingthat I really wanted to do and a
director I wanted to work with.
But then Hamilton came at thetime that it did and I joined
the company and it was anincredible experience, an
incredible story.
I still can't believe that Iwas a member of the Angelica
tour of Hamilton, the music Imean.
You know I don't take itlightly.
A lot of people think like, ohmy God, you always take it
(09:07):
lightly.
I mean I take my work seriouslyand my craft seriously, so I
deserve to be in any room thatI'm in, but it's still surreal
when you're like yo, this is aphenomenon, this is a cultural
awakening.
You know when Hamilton camearound and so the characters I'd
love to play now definitely I'mnot going to back down off of
(09:30):
that.
I think I could play an awesomeHamilton.
I think Aaron Burr is in thestars there I would really love
to play, although he talks a lot.
I love Lafayette Jefferson.
I think that that is the rolethat would kind of capture all
of the nuances of who I could bein those two particular
(09:53):
characters.
But we'll see what happens andI'm open.
Hmm, what else is on Broadwaythat I'd be interested in
playing?
There's a Simba out there.
I actually went in for what'shis name.
In Chicago, I actually went infor Billy Flynn.
Speaker 1 (10:08):
Well, I went in and then I got a packet for Billy
Flynn.
Speaker 2 (10:10):
I sent the whole packet in Heard nothing back.
We Well, I went in and then Igot a packet for Billy Flynn.
I sent the whole packet in,heard nothing back.
We'll see, it just would beamazing to have a young,
dark-skinned Billy Flynn withlocks, up here still giving him
class, giving him sophisticationand just a suave finesse.
So I think I'd really enjoydoing Billy.
Speaker 1 (10:26):
Flynn?
That would be amazing becauseyou know, usually Billy Flynn
just stands there and doesn'tmove while everyone dances
around him.
Speaker 2 (10:36):
So it'd be crazy, because I'm thinking it elevate
me.
You know I love the movement,but people know that everything
is movement.
You know just how wecommunicate in our body language
, and so I'm loving this tin manand how he gets to.
You know, settle into his body,because he literally needs
people to help him move.
And so what does it look like?
From going to being stiff andnot able to move and then
(11:00):
gaining the mobility back again?
How do you tell that story ofactually coming alive?
Speaker 1 (11:06):
So it's fun, I'm having a good time.
Well, it sounds like a goodtime.
I mean the Wiz is going to beplaying Hobby Center in April
29th through may 4th, so we'reall super excited about it.
I can't tell you how popular ozis right now between wicked and
everything else and now this,so ready to come to so ready for
houston it's gonna be ready.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
Yeah, and my birthday is on the 25th, and so I'm
literally coming again.
I'm hoping to throw openingnight birthday bash.
Hopefully we can make it work,but I'm really excited so you're
bringing the Taurus energy?
Speaker 1 (11:40):
is that what you're saying?
Speaker 2 (11:41):
I'm bringing the Taurus energy, but the thing
about it is that it's a Taurus,you know.
I love my Aries feel, becauseI'm April, you know, and I also
like my Virgo moon, you know.
So I really have a.
I'm about business, but Ireally enjoy having a good time
and really connecting withbeautiful people, knowing that
relationships are the source of,you know, our community and so
(12:05):
building relationships and,actually, you know, showing each
other that we see you like I.
I admonish and admire your workand the things that you're
doing to help support, you know,a better community, oh, yeah,
yeah, well, thank you.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
That's what it totally explains why you're a
triple threat right there.
All right, well, thank you.
So much to jerome.
We will see you break legs asthe tin man.
We will stay with you thereopening night.
Speaker 2 (12:29):
I already can't wait to see you.
I'm there.
Hey, let's do it.
I can't wait to see everybodythere.
See you soon, thanks.
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I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.