Posted: 8/5/15 at 8:25am
Incorrect info is on the web (imagine that). She actually is a newcomer.
Updated On: 8/5/15 at 08:25 AM
Posted: 8/5/15 at 8:26am
She is a newcomer. She is a friend of a friend whom I've met on multiple occasions. VERY talented. Having seen her perform multiple times, you're all in for a treat.
Updated On: 8/5/15 at 08:26 AM
Posted: 8/5/15 at 8:27am
This is a different Shanice Williams. She's 18 years old. Video from The Today Show below.
http://www.today.com/popculture/wiz-live-casts-dorothy-see-who-landed-lead-who-will-t36761
Updated On: 8/5/15 at 08:27 AM
Posted: 8/5/15 at 8:28am
If the web is indeed, wrong, that makes me rather pleased!
However, if the 42-year old singer is indeed cast, I would be disappointed. I thought they were doing the stage version with an ACTUAL young girl as Dorothy.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 8:30am
She is a newcomer. And what a thrill!
Posted: 8/5/15 at 8:30am
Ha! Even playbill got it wrong and is reporting its the 42 year old 1990's R&B singer!
Posted: 8/5/15 at 8:31am
Wow, way to go, Playbill. 
But, still: Great news! Welcome, Shanice.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 8:37am
Shanice Wilson is the R&B singer.
Shanice Williams is the new Dorothy.
They don't have the same name. . .
Posted: 8/5/15 at 8:48am
She's adorable!
Posted: 8/5/15 at 9:04am
Posted: 8/5/15 at 9:07am
I'm beyond thrilled that NBC took the risk of putting an unknown in the lead. From her audition that we have seen, she sounds pretty fantastic. Not sure how this production will fair, but from the cast that has been announced, this may be a definite recording to purchase.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 9:11am
I was hoping they would give a newcomer a shot at Dorothy and surround her with established talent. So glad to hear this!
It helps "up" the curiosity factor for a live telecast of this show. The "live" idea gets people to tune in to see what (if anything) goes wrong and how people roll with the perils of live TV, a second "curiosity" is seeing established names play parts, and now a third "curiosity" will be to see a newcomer debut on live TV in a leading role.
I don't know if it will do "Sound of Music" ratings numbers, but I'm sure it will outdo Peter Pan.
And never underestimate the power of Oz!
Updated On: 8/5/15 at 09:11 AM
Posted: 8/5/15 at 11:25am
OH MY GOD I DID A SHOW WITH HER! Paper mill conservatory alum!! Same year and everything !
Updated On: 8/5/15 at 11:25 AM
Posted: 8/5/15 at 11:48am
She is adorable. I am so glad that they went with a young unknown rather than an older established star. I am really looking forward to this.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 11:49am
That is amazing! You are so lucky. She's so talented and very adorable!
Posted: 8/5/15 at 1:45pm
Exciting!! I can't wait to see her knock it out of the park.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 3:12pm
As someone who's unfamiliar with the show, I wish we knew more about what changes were being made to the original book and libretto, because it's hard to get a sense of what the story/staging might be like in this production (and the Broadway revival) versus what's listed on Wikipedia and what comes across via the Original Broadway Cast Recording.
Posted: 8/5/15 at 3:47pm
"OH MY GOD I DID A SHOW WITH HER! Paper mill conservatory alum!! Same year and everything !"
Oh God spare us all 'I performed with her when........I was a NOBODY!].
edit for what's written below.......what the fcvk does LOL mean??
Updated On: 8/5/15 at 03:47 PM
Posted: 8/5/15 at 3:51pm
lol its true though
Posted: 8/5/15 at 4:30pm
Holy crap, Shanice can sing her face off! I'm so looking forward to this WIZ now (even more than last week when they announced Queen Latifah)
Posted: 8/5/15 at 6:10pm
Finally laying to rest 30-somethings cast as Dorothy.
I love you otherwise Miss Ross!
Posted: 8/6/15 at 1:15pm
Amber Riley from GLEE just posted on her Facebook that she and Uzo Aduba have joined the cast!
http://m.essence.com/2015/08/06/uzo-aduba-amber-riley-join-nbc-wiz-live
Updated On: 8/6/15 at 01:15 PM
Posted: 8/6/15 at 1:18pm
This is so exciting. All that's left to announce are Scarecrow and Toto.
