Acclaimed singer and 'American Idol' finalist David Hernandez will bring his one-man show, HOLIDAY HANGOVER, to Feinstein's at the Nikko for one performance only - tonight, December 30 at 7 p.m. Hernandez will perform a selection of original songs and standards, as well as track from his holiday album, 'This Christmas.'
Harvey Mason Jr. has worked with some of the biggest and brightest stars in the music industry. His work transcends generations and this year he became a household name as the music producer for NBC's THE WIZ LIVE!
Now that NBC's live production of THE WIZ has aired, the show keeps on leading fans down the yellow brick road to Oz. Broadway Records and Masterworks release THE WIZ LIVE! Original Soundtrack of the NBC Television Event physically today, December 18, 2015. Order the album now!
Sony Music Masterworks and Broadway Records release the original soundtrack of the NBC Television event 'The Wiz LIVE!' via all digital service providers (download and streaming) today, December 11, followed by the CD on December 18.
Now that we are a week removed from last Thursday's THE WIZ LIVE!, NBC's third live musical in as many years, we know that the production has predominantly been hailed as a critical and ratings success, vindicating the audacious experiment after two, less than artistically satisfying, outings. Led by a newcomer plucked from an open call, director Kenny Leon and executive producers Neil Meron and Craig Zadan found a star in Shanice Williams and surrounded her with an all-star cast that ranged from serviceable to revelatory. However, as enjoyable as the event was, especially in relationship to past efforts, THE WIZ LIVE! was not a perfect production. There is, after all, a reason why no one did live TV musicals for nearly half a century; they are hard.
NBC's musical television production of The Wiz Live! stars world-class performers and recording artists including Queen Latifah (Chicago), Mary J. Blige (Empire), Ne-Yo (Red Tails), and David Alan Grier (In Living Color). Staying true to the groundbreaking Broadway show that put a vivid urban spin on the land of Oz, this fresh new trip down the yellow brick road also stars Common (Being Charlie), Elijah Kelley (Hairspray), Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black), Amber Riley (Glee), Stephanie Mills (The Love Boat), and newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy. Also included on the DVD will be the NBC special, The Making of The Wiz Live, featuring the behind-the-scenes story of producing this live television event!
Thanks to Tony-winner Kenny Leon and a delightfully entertaining cast of characters, 'Home' is most certainly where the heart is this holiday season. Coming into this year's NBC live musical, theatre lovers nationwide were appropriately apprehensive, given the spotty results from THE SOUND OF MUSIC and PETER PAN. However, in THE WIZ LIVE!, we were finally given a production worthy of the show's beloved Broadway legacy. Executive Producers Neil Meron and Craig Zadan still haven't solved the riddle of recreating a stage show's scope and grandeur on screen without an audience, but with a once-in-a-lifetime star, and one of the most acclaimed casts in recent memory, for the first time since this annual experiment began in 2013, there's truly a reason to rejoice!
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!'
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.
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).
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.
This morning's TODAY chatted with the THE WIZ LIVE! stars Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, David Alan Grier, Ne-Yo and Shanice Williams as they prepare for the big night.
Shanice Williams, Ne-Yo, David Alan Grier and Elijah Kelley stopped by WENDY WILLIAMS to dish about their special event airing live this Thursday on NBC.
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!
Three-time GRAMMY Award-winner and multiplatinum singer, songwriter, producer, and actor NE-YO announced a "New Year Celebration" with special guest Jeremih at the Fox Theatre on Saturday, January 2 at 8 p.m.
America's favorite holiday tradition will once again kick off the season of joy as the 89th Annual MACY'STHANKSGIVING DAY PARADE returns to march down the streets of New York on Thursday, November 26. Many Broadway casts are taking part in the festivities (including The Wiz Live, Something Rotten and more) and you can check out photos from their rehearsals below!
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!