NBC’s ‘The Wiz’: Watch 18-Year-Old Newcomer Shanice Williams Win The Role Of Dorothy

Robbie Daw | August 5, 2015 11:17 am
Beyoncé Joining NBC's 'The Wiz'?
Will Queen Bey join Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah in the cast?

NBC’s search for the role of Dorothy in its upcoming live telecast of The Wiz is over. The Today Show revealed this morning that Shanice Williams, 18, landed the lead part in a clip that showed her auditioning by singing “Be A Lion.” (Watch above.)

Speaking of which, In Living Color vet David Alan Grier will also appear in the TV musical as the Cowardly Lion. Williams and Grier join a cast that already includes Queen Latifah as The Wiz, Mary J. Blige as Evillene, The Wicked Witch Of The West and Stephanie Mills as Aunt Em.

Mills originated the role of Dorothy in The Wiz when it opened on Broadway in 1975, while Diana Ross took over the part for the 1978 film adaptation. Mills went on to release her biggest hit single, the Grammy-winning disco classic “Never Knew Love Like This Before,” in 1980.

So far there’s no confirmation on the rumor that Beyonce has been in talks to join the cast.

NBC’s live version of The Wiz is set to air on December 13. Will you be tuning in?