(Screengrab via NBC)
NBC announced on the August 5 Today Show that the role of Dorothy in the peacock network’s The Wiz live show will go to Shanice Williams, 18. She’s a New Jersey newcomer who won NBC’s open casting call for the role.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. She Dedicating the Role to Her Grandmother
Williams calling home to tell her family the news that she got the part. (Screengrab via NBC)
In her appearance on the Today Show, Williams tearfully told American that she was dedicating the role to her grandmother and that “She’s ready.”
2. Williams Was Handpicked for Broadway Training When She Was in High School
In 2014 she was nominated for best actress in the Paper Mill Playhouse’s Rising Star Awards. Williams played the role of Polly Baker in her high school production of Crazy For You. Williams is a native of Rahway, New Jersey, and attended Rahway High School. In 2013, NJ.com reported that Williams had been chosen to receive Broadway-style musical training at the Paper Mill Playhouse.
3. She’s Getting a Lot of Love on Social Media
I am speechless rn. I couldn’t be happier ☺️ #ShaniceWilliams #shesastar
She’s getting a lot of positive feedback on Twitter:
Congrats to the beautifully talented 18-year old Shanice Williams who is confirmed to play Dorothy in #TheWizLive!!
https://instagram.com/p/6AUq24oLcz/
https://instagram.com/p/6AIFkmnZHW/?tagged=shanicewilliams
4. Mary J. Blige & Queen Latifah Are Already Signed on to Star
(Getty)
The NBC production will star Queen Latifah as The Wiz, Mary J. Blige as the Wicked Witch of the West and David Allen Grier as the Lion, reported Variety back in July. The industry mag noted at the time “NBC is holding a nationwide search to find a fresh face to play lead character Dorothy.” It airs on December 3. This version of the The Wizard of Oz is based on the 1975 Broadway version of the story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum which won seven Tony Awards. It starred Stephanie Mills, who will appear in the NBC version as Dorothy’s Aune Em.
5. NBC Will Need to Improve on Last Year’s Live Action Show Ratings
NBC has brought back the live-action musical for the past two holiday seasons. In 2013, the network scored a major-hit with The Sound of Music with Carrie Underwood. The 2014 version, Peter Pan Live attracted only half of that viewership.