Stephanie Mills Returns to Broadway in "Hadestown" After 50 Years

Brooklyn native Stephanie Mills, who first captured hearts as Dorothy in the groundbreaking musical "The Wiz" 50 years ago, has made a triumphant return to Broadway. Mills, now 67, initially hesitated to audition for the role of Hermes in "Hadestown," a Tony-winning folk opera that has been captivating audiences since 2019. Encouraged by a friend, she embraced the opportunity, marking her first Broadway role since her iconic performance in "The Wiz," which reimagined "The Wizard of Oz" with an African-American perspective. Mills began her run in "Hadestown" in July and is set to continue through October. Despite the excitement of returning to the stage, she acknowledges the challenges of performing eight shows a week at her current age. "My feet are burning by the time the show’s over," she admitted, reflecting on the physical demands of the role. Nevertheless, she finds joy in the experience, feeling a connection to her younger self who once donned the ruby slippers. The nostalgia of her past performances is palpable, especially as her castmates frequently request her to sing "Home," the showstopper from "The Wiz." Mills expressed that the song holds even greater significance now, as she remembers those who have passed on from the original production. Her journey from a young girl in a white Sunday-school dress to a seasoned performer in "Hadestown" encapsulates a remarkable evolution in her career and the Broadway landscape.