Lyndale Avenue is hardly the yellow brick road, but follow it anyway this weekend to see "The Whiz: Moneyapolis" performed by New York's Nicholas Leichter Dance with Monstah Black. Although far from a literal interpretation of the 1978 film "The Wiz" starring Michael Jackson and Diana Ross, the show picks up familiar themes (there's still no place like home), adds a Twin Town twist, and pulls it all together for a raucous journey to the Emerald City like none other, presented by Northrop Dance in collaboration with Bedlam Theatre and Intermedia Arts.

The experience begins in the lobby (aka "Club Oz"), with DJ Shannon Blowtorch, and carries into a theater illuminated by whirling disco lights. Leichter's fiercely eclectic movement style asserts itself early on through his own dancing as well as that of his versatile company members. They embody tenderness through modern dance in one moment and hard-banging club attitude the next, while wending their way through an increasingly surreal fantasy world where genres (and genders) playfully bend like the proverbial rainbow.

Black composed many of the songs and performs in platform shoes that get higher with each entrance. The self-proclaimed Messiah of the Funk takes his musical cues from Prince and Sylvester. Fun and sexy riffs on "Oz" storylines abound, especially in the numbers "O E O" (with a nod to The Time's "Jungle Love") and "Slide Some Oil" which gives the Tin Man's dilemma a naughty edge. Some original "Wiz" tunes also pop up, including "I'm a Mean Ol' Lion" by Charlie Smalls (re-interpreted via an inspired pop-locking/boxing mash-up).

Despite its winning attributes, this show is as overstuffed as a scarecrow's shirt at 90 minutes. The many group dances grow repetitive, and the boisterous energy sometimes loses its glittery intensity. Nonetheless, the creative forces behind "The Whiz" prove that a good story can be effectively re-imagined by, and for, successive generations. Some rigorous editing could really emphasize this point.

The evening features guest appearances from local artists including Kenna Cottman in a mysterious witchy solo and Mad King Thomas strutting in polar bear suits to Beyoncé. Plus Miss Ross gets a triple shout-out (as a diva should) thanks to glamorous Leichter dancer Dawn Robinson, choreographer Leah Nelson and superstar drag queen Cee Cee Russell.