Can YOU feel a brand new day? We're gearing up to ease on down the road with powerhouse newcomer Shanice Williams and the rest of the gang from Oz, when THE WIZ LIVE! premieres Thursday, December 3, at 8pm on NBC.
Of course, as was the case in 2013's THE SOUND OF MUSIC LIVE! and last year's PETER PAN LIVE!, the cast is certainly not short on big-name talent — and most come with Broadway or theatrical credits, no less. As if you didn't already know, be sure to look out for Queen Latifah (of 2002's CHICAGO and 2007's HAIRSPRAY), Elijah Kelley (also of 2007's HAIRSPRAY), Uzo Aduba (of CORAM BOY and 2011's GODSPELL), and David Alan Grier (2012's PORGY AND BESS).
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'The Wiz Live!' has arrived, as have the casts of three tours to the Loop. 'Bridges' is in Iowa, though. The Marriott takes on 'Spring Awakening,' and the Piccolo Theatre, Congo Square and Theo Ubique do December in their own ways. The Second City opens another revue, and in Milwaukee, 'My Fair Lady!'
We are another day closer to NBC's highly-anticipated musical special, THE WIZ LIVE!, which airs Thursday, December 3, at 8PM/7c. The production will star newcomer Shanice 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.
In anticipation of this star-studded event, throughout the week, we are looking at the impressive musical careers (and when possible, musical theatre careers) of THE WIZ LIVE! stars. Today, we are easing on down the road with the group at the center of the story, the four characters affectionately referred to as 'The Friends;' Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. This group has a two-time Tony nominee and comedy legend, a rising Hollywood star, a three-time Grammy winning R&B icon, and a virtual unknown in the role of a lifetime.
In anticipation of this star-studded event, throughout the week, we are going to be looking at the impressive musical careers (and when possible, musical theatre careers) of THE WIZ LIVE! stars. Today, we are hopping on our brooms and checking out some of the best moments in the singing careers of Oz's newest witches, whether they are wicked or good. First, we will look at some clips from 'Crazy' talented Broadway baby Uzo Aduba, who will play Glinda. Then, we will look at the career of GLEE-ful dancing champ Amber Riley, who plays Addaperle, and finally we will close out our list with Evillene, played by the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige.
NBCUniversal today announced that Reddi-wip will partner with NBC's live television production of the hit Broadway musical "The Wiz Live," set for December 3rd (8:00PM EST). The partnership is an extension of Reddi-wip's "Share the Joy" program aiming to help people experience more joy every day, and, in this case, the joy of music. The campaign also will feature contextually relevant branded content that reflects that mission, and is also an example of how NBC uses its unique storytelling capabilities to impact communities through the power of entertainment.
Hot Video! Miss the Wednesday night airing of NBC's The Making of THE WIZ LIVE!? We've got you covered with the full video that goes behind the scenes, showing off all of the excitement and hard work going into the December 3rd broadcast that we're all counting down to.
Sony Music Masterworks and Broadway Records will release the original soundtrack of the NBC Television event THE WIZ LIVE! next month, but you won't have to wait until then to hear Shanice Williams sing the iconic solo 'Home'. Stream it on Spotify now!
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Plaid Tidings,' the Q Brothers and 'Die Hard' bring us holiday shows, and shows come and go at Lyric Opera and the Royal George. 'The Wiz' comes to TV and to a Bailiwick benefit, and 'The Lion King' and 'Pinocchio' promise family-friendly fare. And buy 'Season Of Carols 3!'
NBC's highly anticipated production of 'The Wiz LIVE!' will broadcast December 3, but you don't have to wait that long to feed your excitement. NBC is celebrating family togetherness surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday by launching a Home-inspired meme. To take part, just follow the instructions below!
Sony Music Masterworks and Broadway Records will release the original soundtrack of the NBC Television event 'The Wiz LIVE!' Available now for preorder at Amazo
Harry Shum Jr., best known for his role as Mike Chang on the FOX musical dramedy GLEE, tied the knot with his fiance of two years Shelby Rabara in a ceremony held in Costa Rica.
NBC has just shared a first look at THE WIZ LIVE! star Mary J. Blige in action and we've got the photos below! Plus, CLICK HERE to check out photos of Stephanie Mills, Amber Riley, Uzo Aduba and more in full costume for the highly anticipated December 3rd live telecast.
Highlights from this week include MISERY opens on Broadway, BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY gets ready to hit the road, THE WIZ LIVE gets ready to hit TV screens, LAURA BENANTI ties the knot and SO much more!
Good morning, BroadwayWorld! Because we know all our readers eat, sleep and breathe Broadway, what could be better than waking up to it? Today's big news: STEVE and LAZARUS bow off-Broadway, SPRING AWAKENING heads to the White House and more!
The yellow brick road will keep on leading fans to the magic of Oz after NBC airs its live production of THE WIZ on December 3. BroadwayWorld has learned that Broadway Records and Masterworks will be releasing THE WIZ LIVE! Original Soundtrack of the NBC Television Event on December 11 (digital) and Decmebr 18 (physical). You can pre-order the album now!
Below, watch cast members Ne-Yo, newcomer Shanice Williams, Stephanie Mills, Amber Riley and David Alan Grier rehearsing the classic number 'Ease on Down the Road'!
The journey to Oz can officially begin with THE WIZ LIVE!'s full cast easin' on down the road! NBC has finally revealed the complete company for upcoming holiday production, airing Thursday, December 3.
Actress, producer and animal advocate Hilary Swank and Michael Levitt are re-teaming with FOX to executive-produce the second annual THE ALL-STAR DOG RESCUE CELEBRATION
