With only a few months to go before The Wiz Live! airs on NBC, the network is still gathering talent for its third live-action musical. After casting Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah last week, the producers have added David Alan Grier and newcomer Shanice Williams.
On July 29, Latifah joined to play the titular Wiz, while Blige will star as Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West.
Grier, a three-time Tony nominee who most recently starred in The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, will play the Cowardly Lion. This summer, he will also be seen on NBC’s The Carmichael Show, which starts on Aug. 26.
Stephanie Mills, who starred as Dorothy in the very first Broadway production of The Wiz, will play Aunt Em this time around.
As for Williams, she will be making her TV debut in The Wiz Live!. Her audition tape was shown on the Today Show. She has some big shoes to fill, as Diana Ross played the roll in the film version of The Wiz.
The Wiz Live! is set to air on Dec. 3.
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