THE WIZ: 2015 NBC LIVE MUSICAL- Page 15

[madbrian]

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

[gstrus2]

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

[somethingwicked]

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

[Showface]

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.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 8/5/15 at 8:30am

She is a newcomer.   And what a thrill!   

[adamgreer]

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!

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 8/5/15 at 8:31am

Wow, way to go, Playbill. 

But, still: Great news! Welcome, Shanice. 

[NYadgal]

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. . .

[tazber]

Posted: 8/5/15 at 8:48am

She's adorable!

 

[Broadwaystar2]

Posted: 8/5/15 at 9:04am

Audition video of Shanice Wilson.

 

 

http://broadwayblack.com/dorothy-wiz-live-shanice-williams/ 

[Broadwaywest]

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.

[best12bars]

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

[Phillypinto]

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

[jimmycurry01]

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.

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 8/5/15 at 11:49am

That is amazing! You are so lucky. She's so talented and very adorable!

[Mr. Nowack]

Posted: 8/5/15 at 1:45pm

Exciting!! I can't wait to see her knock it out of the park.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 8/5/15 at 3:11pm

She's adorable!

[DigificWriter]

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.

[Showface]

Posted: 8/5/15 at 3:12pm

I think she's perfect for this!

[SweetLips]

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

[Phillypinto]

Posted: 8/5/15 at 3:51pm

lol its true though

[gypsy101]

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)

[skies]

Posted: 8/5/15 at 6:10pm

Finally laying to rest 30-somethings cast as Dorothy.  

I love you otherwise Miss Ross!

[jacobsnchz14]

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

[RW3]

Posted: 8/6/15 at 1:18pm

This is so exciting. All that's left to announce are Scarecrow and Toto.