THE WIZ: 2015 NBC LIVE MUSICAL- Page 6

[Robbie2]

Posted: 4/1/15 at 1:40pm

Bilbo3
Synopsis
The Wiz is a black version of the perennial Wizard of Oz. The characters and story line are largely faithful to the 1939 movie version of L. Frank Baum's 1900 story.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wiz

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 4/1/15 at 1:41pm

Let's leave ignorance out of it and pretend Ariana Grande was not suggested to play Dorothy.

I will always be upset at the fact the TV version starring Anika Noni Rose never happened. Her "Home" would have been out of the world. I've read on other entertainment sites that Zendeya is probably playing the role. I also figure Keke Palmer will be considered.

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 4/1/15 at 1:42pm

"Are Aunt Em and Glinda not played by the same actor in the Wiz? I would think if Audra signs on she's doing both."

The roles have been doubled in that way in some productions looking to reduce the cast size, but in the original Broadway production they were not. Dee Dee Bridgewater played Glinda and Tasha Thomas played Aunt Em (as well as doubling as a pit singer).

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 4/1/15 at 1:43pm

Carlos...

These threads commenting on who should be in a cast are always tongue-in-cheek and completely ridiculous. Furthermore, casting specifically for these Live TV performances is never truly based on "the" right person for the role. It is a combination of who will draw ratings, who is available and who is willing to do it. It gets worse after the previous two recent productions because the media has ripped apart the actors who performed! Why would anyone want to subject themselves to that?!

Yes - Whoopi although not a 'best' choice from the perspective of serious Broadway theatrical resume (singing/dancing) but she has the star power and name to draw viewers among all viewers regardless of race.

Highly unlikely that the perfect 'dream cast' will ever be assembled regardless of the show selected let alone choosing a cast based upon the original intentions of the creative team.

As for my sarcastic comment to put in Al Sharpton - he gets his A$$ involved in everything he has no right being involved in to begin with so that was purely a joke. If this were the Wizard of Oz...perhaps Donald Trump would have been my answer.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 4/1/15 at 1:47pm

These threads commenting on who should be in a cast are always tongue-in-cheek and completely ridiculous.

Oh I get it. I've been on here long enough to know that. It's just my sarcastic way of pointing it out, but Bilbo3 was serious when he suggested Ariana Grande for "Dorothy".

I had a good laugh with that one...and I really needed that so maybe I should thank him?

Updated On: 4/1/15 at 01:47 PM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 4/1/15 at 1:55pm

I enjoyed the original production and like the score but PLEASE!!!!!! This is NBC LIVE. Let's not forget how they massacred PETER PAN in December!

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 4/1/15 at 2:53pm

Carlos... lol I actually even try to avoid reading the dream cast threads all together so that I can stop tearing my eye muscles with all the eye rolls they create. 

 

[Bilbo3]

Posted: 4/1/15 at 4:57pm

I'm well aware of the history behind The WIZ. So, Ariana isn't allowed to play Dorothy cause she isn't Black, right? Just want to make sure I understand.

There are more ways than one to honor the original Wiz and I really don't think casting a non black actress for the lead is blasphemy. But that's just me I guess.

Updated On: 4/1/15 at 04:57 PM

[Starship]

Posted: 4/1/15 at 5:24pm

It's not blasphemy, and some people get too rilled up over white casting suggestions. HOWEVER, that being said, it WOULD be nice to finally see an all black version of The Wiz produced professionally. I let it pass in community theatre since sometimes it's hard for the theatre's to cast an all black production, however, there's really no excuse here. It's been a long time since we've truly seen an all black production that stayed true to the original show. Plus, with so many casting opportunities availble for people of color, it'd be unfortunate to see them turned down for someone such as "Ariana Grande."

To me, it's not really a race thing. As a black person, I don't get offended when white actors are cast in the roles. However, it would be nice to add that soul back into The Wiz that pairs so beautifully with the score.

[Bilbo3]

Posted: 4/1/15 at 5:57pm

Starship, I'm positive we will be seeing an all black revival and an all black NBC show. The broadway producers and tv executives wouldn't dare start controversy with the casting of a white actor or actress in this show. Preposterous.

Interesting point about the soul factor. I would venture to say Ariana defintely does have that type of soul in her heart to bring "Home", home. Regardless of her lighter skin. Perhaps I'm making too much of a point on Ariana, it could really be any girl that fits the dorothy mold. I definitely wouldn't be upset if an asian girl played the role or a hispanic girl. Clearly Broadway folks would clutch their pearls at the idea. I guess the racial casting is a double edge sword. On one hand, there are many talented african american girls to sing the role. But on the other hand, i just have a problem with an asian girl belting her heart out for the role and producers saying "That was great, but you're asian so we aren't casting you."

And if we as a broadway community are so touchy about race with this show, would anyone bat an eye if a Jamaican woman played Dorothy? It always seems like we settle for: "Oh well she has dark skin, so she looks ethnic enough." If we set those standards, Shouldn't we closely follow them?

I don't recall people throwing a fit when a Japanese man was cast as The King of Siam. But he looked ethnic enough so that's enough right? According to broadway it is.

 

Sorry for the rant, just getting my thoughts out.

Updated On: 4/1/15 at 05:57 PM

[Reginald Tresilian]

Posted: 4/1/15 at 10:11pm

Thai and Japanese are different nationalities, but not different races.

[broadwayboy223]

Posted: 4/1/15 at 10:40pm

Tbh its not all NBC'S LIVE fault. Peter Pan has always been a terrible musical IMO. There's only so much one can do with bad material. Nonetheless,  it was absolutely disgusting to watch. I cringed the whole time.

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 4/1/15 at 11:25pm

Keke belongs to FOX now. I HIGHLY doubt they'd give her time off what they are hoping to be their next big hit to go be in a musical in NYC.

[nicnyc]

Posted: 4/2/15 at 3:41am

I'm kinda surprised no one has mentioned Condola Rashad as a possible Dorothy...especially considering her history with director Kenny Leon.  Did I miss it? And what about Jennifer Holliday for Evilene?   I agree with others that Audra McDonald as Glinda is just too perfect not to happen (unless she is too booked, of course).   Would love to see Leslie Odom Jr (though likely unavailable), Joshua Henry & James Monroe Inglehart as the Scarecrow, Tin Man & Cowardly Lion, respectively. It would be nice to see Stephanie Mills in a cameo as Auntie Em. Would love to see Anika Noni Rose or Chandra Wilson or Tonya Pinkins play Addaperle.  I agree with the many posters that said the Wizard will probably go to a big name - but I'd just love to see Brian Stokes Mitchell in the role. Can we get Lin-Manuel to write a rap for the flying monkeys? 

Updated On: 4/2/15 at 03:41 AM

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 4/2/15 at 6:10am

Condola Rashad?!!?!! Condola Rashad is 28 years old... She cannot pull off playing a young Kansas farm girl.

One thing I do hope they try to do is to get Stephanie Mills in a role. It would be nice if they did as a nod to the show's legacy. It would be nice but not necessary.

Another thing I do know for sure: I am so glad some of you do not have a say in casting any Broadway shows.

 

[adamgreer]

Posted: 4/2/15 at 7:38am

According to some posters' logic in this thread, there's no reason why I couldnt play Coalhouse Walker Jr. one day. 

[WhizzerMarvin]

Posted: 4/2/15 at 7:53am

Taraji P Henson in character as Cookie playing Evillene. Boo Boo Kitty could be one of the winged monkeys.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 4/2/15 at 8:01am

It's likely that Christian Borle will still be tied up with Something Rotten! when this airs, but that doesn't matter because this is NOT a show for white people. Seriously, some of you can't seem to wrap your heads around that fact. This is a show meant to be done with black actors, and there is no way that won't happen here. 

[silent]

Posted: 4/2/15 at 8:02am

Naturi Naughton as Dorothy

Corbin Bleu as The Scarecrow

Deborah Cox as Glinda

I'd love to see Tichina Arnold as the Wicked Witch but Latifah seems more likely

[ArtMan]

Posted: 4/2/15 at 8:18am

My two cents.  Possibly Willow Smith, especially if Will agrees to a part.

[ggersten]

Posted: 4/2/15 at 9:46am

Since the Dorothy I saw was Ren Woods in Los Angeles - that's who I want to at least have a cameo.  Because, she was freaking amazing then and since:  

Updated On: 4/2/15 at 09:46 AM

[ggersten]

Posted: 4/2/15 at 9:58am

Ok. LaChanze has to sing this again.  And show the world.  

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 4/2/15 at 10:53am

Ever since Pippin, everyone's gotta have a damn circus. Far be it from me to suggest Cirque shouldn't cash in as they try to make in-roads into Broadway, but is The Wiz really the best property for that? I mean, they do know the Wizard isn't actually a wizard, right? If they actually intend to do the show right, then (going off of what I know about the original production, not having been alive at the time) the most Cirque could contribute to is the tornado and the Yellow Brick Road. Maybe the Scarecrow if they want to get really eccentric and acrobatic with the dancing.

I'll say this for it: at least it's more interesting than what Rob Ashford would have done.

[Larcen26]

Posted: 4/2/15 at 11:27am

I had really high hopes that they would do this over The Music Man...

And them eyeing Broadway could have a positive effect on the quality.

My personal casting is:

Dorothy – Jennifer Hudson, or Quvenzhane Wallis if they want to stay young.  Maybe Zendaya.

Tin Man – Billy Porter

Lion – Jesse L Martin

Scarecrow – Usher since he works with NBC on The Voice, but ideally Bruno Mars

Addaperle - Whoopi

Glinda – Audra

Wizard – Kevin Hart or Anthony Anderson

Evileen – Queen Latifah, JHud if they go younger with Dorothy.

Flying Monkeys – Key & Peele

 

And I would bet everyone I mentioned would be interested in doing it.

 

I am a little concerned that if they are eyeing a move to Broadway that they won't be able to assemble a cast that would bring in the viewers.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 4/2/15 at 11:42am

NEWSFLASH: Jennifer Hudson is THIRTY THREE YEARS OLD.

There is no way in hell they are casting a 33 year old singer in the role of Dorothy, unless of course they are doing the movie version and making Dorothy a 20-ish schoolteacher from Harlem.