THE WIZ LIVE! Cast Gets in Character for Essence Photoshoot!

The cast of NBC's THE WIZ LIVE is putting in 8-hour-a-day rehearsals for the highly anticipated December 3rd live broadcast. Today, Essence has shared a photo new gallery by Lance Gross. Check it out here!

NBC's upcoming holiday production of THE WIZ LIVE! will air Thursday, Dec. 3. The production will star newcomerShanice Williams as Dorothy alongside Grammy and Golden Globe-winner Queen Latifah as the Wizard, nine-time Grammy-winner Mary J. Blige as Evillene, original Dorothy, Stephanie Mills, as Auntie Em and David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion.

Craig Zadan and Neil Meron ("The Sound of Music Live!," "Peter Pan Live!") serve as executive producers. Tony winner Kenny Leon will direct with Harvey Fierstein providing new written material. Fatima Robinsonserves as choreographer. "The Wiz Live!" is produced by Universal Television in association with Cirque Du Soleil Theatrical.