After much anticipation, NBC has finally unveiled the identity of their leading lady for the upcoming live musical remake of The Wiz airing this December on NBC.
The musical is set to air on the network and also return to Broadway for an extended run, which is the gig singer Brandy has been petitioning for. However for the live telecast, the fresh face NBC has announced is 18 year old newcomer Shanice Williams. Via US Magazine:
NBC announced on Wednesday, Aug. 5, that the coveted role of Dorothy has been filled for the network’s upcoming production of The Wiz Live!
Newcomer Shanice Williams will take on the storied traveler who finds her way to the Emerald City. The 18-year-old New Jersey native will make her television debut when the live show hits airwaves on Dec. 3.
Williams appeared on the Today show on Wednesday morning, shedding a few tears as she met the famed anchors and talked about the huge opportunity ahead of her.
The rising star will be filling some huge shoes in the coming months. Stephanie Mills originally played Dorothy on Broadway’s 1970s The Wiz, dusting off her silver slippers once more for the 1980s revival, while Diana Ross took on the role in the 1978 big-screen adaptation.
Mills, 58, will find her way to the yellow-brick road once more, as NBC announced that the star will play Auntie Em in The Wiz Live!
They have also announced actor David Alan Grier, who recently booked the role of The Cowardly Lion. The two will join Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah and Stephanie Mills who are already confirmed on the cast.
Check out footage from the open auditions for the role of Dorothy which NBC held before picking Shanice as well as her appearance on the TODAY show.
