NBC is preparing to hit the road for Oz this winter, releasing a preview for “The Wiz: Live!” (which BTW looks a heck of a lot like it could have come from an old 30 Rock episode) The latest in NBC’s series of live productions, this staging of the classic musical stars newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy Gale, the youngster trying to find her way back home after landing in the magical world of Oz. Williams was chosen during a nation-wide open casting call.
“The Wiz Live!” aiso stars David Alan Grier, Ne-Yo and Elijah Kelley as Dorothy’s trusted sidekicks the Cowardly Lion, Tin-Man and Scarecrow, respectively. Stephanie Mills, who originated the part of Dorothy on Broadway, will play her beloved Auntie Em and Queen Latifah plays the Wiz herself.
“The Wiz Live!” will air at 8 p.m. Dec. 3 on NBC.
NBC is also producing the drama “Emerald City,” which stars Vincent D’Onofrio as the mysterious wizard.
