The Wiz Live! just got some magical new cast members.
Orange Is The New Black star Uzo Aduba and Glee’s Amber Riley are the latest additions to NBC’s The Wiz Live!.
The talented actresses and singers will be playing sisters and witches in the network’s highly anticipated televised production. Aduba will play Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, and Riley will play Addaperie, the Good Witch of the North.
While Aduba’s casting may come as a shock to OINTB fans who know her as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren, this is not the actress’ first time in the theatre. Before making her television debut, Aduba starred in the Broadway production of “Coram Boy” in 2007 and “Godspell” in 2011.
“We are happy to welcome two actors we’ve admired and wanted so much to work with,” said executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron in an official statement. “We look forward to showcasing the amazing musical talents of Amber and we are eager to introduce Uzo’s remarkable singing voice for those who know her solely as an extraordinary dramatic actress.”
Both stars took to Twitter to share this exciting news with their fans.
“I’m beyond grateful and excited to join this incredible company of artists as Glinda, the Good Witch in #TheWizLive and to tell this story,” Aduba tweeted.
Riley expressed her gratitude to her passionate fans that “made noise and made NBC take notice.” She also sent a funny message to producers Meron and Zadan about her demands for their first day of rehersal.
Aduba and Reily are joined by an all-star cast including Queen Latifah, who stars as the Wiz, Mary J. Blidge, who plays the Wicked Witch of the West, David Alan Grier, who will play the Cowardly Lion, and newcomer Shanice Williams will play Dorothy.
The Whiz Live! is set to premiere Thurs, Dec. 3 on NBC.