The Michigan Tech mascot is the Husky. Since the early 1900s, the Husky has been the symbol of the Michigan Tech athletic teams. The Husky represents the strength, loyalty, and competitive spirit that the university embodies. The official name of the Michigan Tech mascot is Blizzard T. Husky. Blizzard can be found at various athletic events, cheering on the teams and engaging with fans.
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.
Blizzard can be found at various athletic events, cheering on the teams and engaging with fans. The mascot is also involved in community events and serves as a symbol of pride for the university. Blizzard T.
‘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.
Husky is known for its energetic and entertaining performances. The mascot interacts with fans, leads cheers, and participates in halftime shows. Many students and alumni have fond memories of cheering alongside Blizzard at games and events. The Michigan Tech School of Business and Economics even has a live Husky as their mascot. This live Husky attends events and represents the university in a unique way. Overall, the Michigan Tech Husky mascot holds a special place in the hearts of students, alumni, and fans. The mascot represents the university's values and is a prominent symbol of school pride and spirit..
Reviews for "The Psychology of Mascots: How Michigan Tech's Mascot Impacts Fan Behavior"
1. John - 1/5 stars - I was extremely disappointed with the Michigan Tech mascot. The costume looked outdated and poorly made, it didn't even resemble any kind of animal. The person inside the costume seemed disinterested and lacked energy. Overall, it was a lackluster representation of the school and left me feeling let down.
2. Sarah - 2/5 stars - As an alumna of Michigan Tech, I have always had great school spirit, but the mascot performance really let me down. The mascot seemed untrained and didn't engage with the crowd. The costume itself was worn out and didn't look appealing. I hope the university invests in a new and improved mascot soon.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars - The Michigan Tech mascot is in desperate need of a makeover. The costume looks like it's from the 1970s, and the person inside lacks enthusiasm. It's clear that there is no effort put into making the mascot engaging or interactive. I was left feeling underwhelmed by the whole experience.
4. Emily - 3/5 stars - While the Michigan Tech mascot is definitely lacking in terms of energy and excitement, I appreciate the effort put into maintaining school spirit. The costume could use some updating and the performer could be more engaging, but I still find it admirable that someone is willing to take on the role. With some improvements, the mascot could become a true representation of the school's spirit.
5. Mark - 2/5 stars - The Michigan Tech mascot is a disappointment. The costume is unimpressive and the person inside seems more like a robot than an enthusiastic mascot. A mascot should be able to generate excitement and engage with the crowd, but this one falls flat. I hope the university reconsiders their choice and invests in a better mascot experience.