Earlier today, NBC revealed that a newcomer Shanice Williams has been cast in the role of Dorothy in the upcoming reboot of the 1978 cult classic The Wiz.
If her name doesn’t quite ring a bell, that’s because “The Wiz Live!” will be Williams’ first television role. The musical theater actress was among hundreds of applicants who auditioned for the part. “Mom, I’ve got to tell you something,” she said right after getting the good news. “I got the part!” she shared via Instagram.
In addition to filling Diana Ross’ silver shoes, the New Jersey native will be performing alongside some big names in entertainment. David Alan Grier has signed on to play the part of the Cowardly Lion, while musical stars Queen Latifah and Mary J. Blige will play the Wiz and the Wicked Witch of the West, respectively.
As for Dorothy’s beloved Auntie Em, that part went to Stephanie Mills, who played Dorothy in the first Broadway production of the tale. And while rumor has it that Beyonce and “Orange Is the New Black” star Uzo Aduba are being eye for the role of Glinda the Good Witch, nothing has been confirmed.
Mark your calendars! The NBC special will air Dec. 3 on NBC. Will you be watching?!
