Before Dorothy’s mother passed away, she had a favorite saying, as Aunt Em reminds her grieving niece in the opening scene of The Wiz: “The hard stuff is there to let you know just how good you got it.” And while that’s a curious mantra to undergird a production of a Broadway musical, there’s something to it in the latest revival.
The first musical by a Black composer to win Tony Awards for best musical and best score, this well-loved show turns 50 next year. If Schele Williams’s simplistic and sometimes bewildering staging doesn’t itself demonstrate how the show has held up across those decades, she wisely steers all attention toward the main event: the stunning vocal performances from her cast. And since the show’s underwhelming visuals feel like less of a distraction than an afterthought, it’s easy enough to put the “hard...
The first musical by a Black composer to win Tony Awards for best musical and best score, this well-loved show turns 50 next year. If Schele Williams’s simplistic and sometimes bewildering staging doesn’t itself demonstrate how the show has held up across those decades, she wisely steers all attention toward the main event: the stunning vocal performances from her cast. And since the show’s underwhelming visuals feel like less of a distraction than an afterthought, it’s easy enough to put the “hard...
- 4/18/2024
- by Dan Rubins
- Slant Magazine
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 5 of “The Masked Singer,” “Group C Finals: Shower Anthems Night,” which aired April 3 on Fox.
After two weeks of being on “The Masked Singer” chopping block, Sisqó is finally gone-guh-gone-gone-gone.
I think I’ll sing it again: Sisqó’s been dumped like a truck, truck, truck. “The Masked Singer” has removed his butt, butt, butt. Let me see (who sang) that song!
That’s right, “Thong Song” superstar Sisqó on Wednesday became the latest celebrity to be unmasked on “The Masked Singer,” revealed to be the Lizard.
For Sisqó as the Lizard, several of the panelists had figured it out. Robin Thicke and Rita Ora knew it was Sisqó. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg picked Ray J. Ken Jeong said it was Michael Bivins.
Lizard was voted out after being one of the two lowest vote-getters in the two previous episodes.
After two weeks of being on “The Masked Singer” chopping block, Sisqó is finally gone-guh-gone-gone-gone.
I think I’ll sing it again: Sisqó’s been dumped like a truck, truck, truck. “The Masked Singer” has removed his butt, butt, butt. Let me see (who sang) that song!
That’s right, “Thong Song” superstar Sisqó on Wednesday became the latest celebrity to be unmasked on “The Masked Singer,” revealed to be the Lizard.
For Sisqó as the Lizard, several of the panelists had figured it out. Robin Thicke and Rita Ora knew it was Sisqó. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg picked Ray J. Ken Jeong said it was Michael Bivins.
Lizard was voted out after being one of the two lowest vote-getters in the two previous episodes.
- 4/4/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
The season of the very first sign of the zodiac is here, and that’s exactly why being a leader comes so easy for Aries folks.
And that’s no joke, Aries really don’t know what else to be but a boss, CEO or innovator, because they’d rather play by their own rules. They march to the beat of their own drum and rarely ever need anyone to play backup instrumentals. Their charm, playful personality and great sense of humor make up for their impulsiveness and sometimes hot-temper, and there’s absolutely no other sign who will keep it all the way real with you like an Aries does, even if it’s something you don’t want to hear. They tell it like it is, as dishonesty goes against their entire m.o.
As ambitious as they are — known for being some of the greatest to ever...
And that’s no joke, Aries really don’t know what else to be but a boss, CEO or innovator, because they’d rather play by their own rules. They march to the beat of their own drum and rarely ever need anyone to play backup instrumentals. Their charm, playful personality and great sense of humor make up for their impulsiveness and sometimes hot-temper, and there’s absolutely no other sign who will keep it all the way real with you like an Aries does, even if it’s something you don’t want to hear. They tell it like it is, as dishonesty goes against their entire m.o.
As ambitious as they are — known for being some of the greatest to ever...
- 3/30/2024
- by Raquel 'Rocky' Harris
- The Wrap
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 4 of “The Masked Singer,” “TV Theme Night,” which aired March 27 on Fox.
“Extra” host Billy Bush won’t get an extra shot at “The Masked Singer.” The entertainment newsmagazine anchor and one-time morning drive radio host was the next celebrity to be unmasked on Wednesday’s “TV Theme Night” edition of “The Masked Singer.”
“I’m not a great singer,” Bush said. “If you can’t make it with the lips, make it with the hips. If you’ve never done something that’s a little on the scary side — and this is scary — say yes!”
For Bush, none of the panelists got it right. Robin Thicke guessed Anderson Cooper. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg picked Seth Meyers. Ken Jeong picked Ryan Seacrest. New panelist Rita Ora said it was Andy Cohen.
Lizard (for the second week in a row...
“Extra” host Billy Bush won’t get an extra shot at “The Masked Singer.” The entertainment newsmagazine anchor and one-time morning drive radio host was the next celebrity to be unmasked on Wednesday’s “TV Theme Night” edition of “The Masked Singer.”
“I’m not a great singer,” Bush said. “If you can’t make it with the lips, make it with the hips. If you’ve never done something that’s a little on the scary side — and this is scary — say yes!”
For Bush, none of the panelists got it right. Robin Thicke guessed Anderson Cooper. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg picked Seth Meyers. Ken Jeong picked Ryan Seacrest. New panelist Rita Ora said it was Andy Cohen.
Lizard (for the second week in a row...
- 3/28/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
There wasn't a more popular or influential (or controversial) sitcom in the 1970s than "All in the Family." Created by Norman Lear, the series was a stingingly hilarious satire of American attitudes as the country adjusted to the post-Civil Rights Movement era and coped with the increasingly unpopular Vietnam War.
The genius of "All in the Family" was Lear's ability to make every single one of his main characters behave ridiculously without becoming full-on caricatures. Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor) was an unrepentant bigot, his wife Edith (Jean Stapleton) was a well-meaning ditz, his daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers) was a work-in-progress idealist who went from dopey to fairly sharp as the series progressed, and his son-in-law Michael "Meathead" Stivic represented everything Archie hated about liberals in one preachy package. We all saw a bit of ourselves and the people we have no choice but to call family in the Bunkers, and...
The genius of "All in the Family" was Lear's ability to make every single one of his main characters behave ridiculously without becoming full-on caricatures. Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor) was an unrepentant bigot, his wife Edith (Jean Stapleton) was a well-meaning ditz, his daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers) was a work-in-progress idealist who went from dopey to fairly sharp as the series progressed, and his son-in-law Michael "Meathead" Stivic represented everything Archie hated about liberals in one preachy package. We all saw a bit of ourselves and the people we have no choice but to call family in the Bunkers, and...
- 3/9/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
Actress Mo’Nique claimed she has been “blackballed” from the entertainment industry by Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey – and she said she has an audio tape of Perry stating she is “difficult to work with.”
In an interview with football legend Shannon Sharpe on his podcast Club Shay Shay, Mo’Nique reveals she recorded a conversation over the phone between herself and Perry.
After the recorded phone call, Mo’Nique stated that Perry told singer Stephanie Mills he would only meet with Mo’Nique if her husband, Sidney Hicks, was not present. Perry requested a public apology from Mo’Nique and said that he and Oprah had nothing to do with the downfall of her career.
The drama between Mo’Nique, Perry and Winfrey dates back to 2009.
The three collectively worked on the hit film Precious, but Mo’Nique refused to promote the movie for “free.” Celebrities typically do press for...
In an interview with football legend Shannon Sharpe on his podcast Club Shay Shay, Mo’Nique reveals she recorded a conversation over the phone between herself and Perry.
After the recorded phone call, Mo’Nique stated that Perry told singer Stephanie Mills he would only meet with Mo’Nique if her husband, Sidney Hicks, was not present. Perry requested a public apology from Mo’Nique and said that he and Oprah had nothing to do with the downfall of her career.
The drama between Mo’Nique, Perry and Winfrey dates back to 2009.
The three collectively worked on the hit film Precious, but Mo’Nique refused to promote the movie for “free.” Celebrities typically do press for...
- 2/11/2024
- by Kylie Schweikert
- Uinterview
Maurice Hines, the Broadway dancer, choreographer and actor who famously showcased his skills alongside his late younger brother, Gregory Hines, in a Nicholas Brothers-like act featured in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Cotton Club, has died. He was 80.
Hines died Friday of natural causes at the Actors Fund Home in Englewood, New Jersey, his cousin and rep, Richard Nurse, told The Hollywood Reporter. He lived there for a couple of years.
The elegant, Harlem-born Hines received a Tony Award nomination in 1986 for best actor in a musical for Uptown … It’s Hot and starred again on Broadway in 2006’s Hot Feet. He conceived, directed and choreographed both productions.
In his THR review of the 2019 documentary Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back, Frank Scheck wrote that the Hines brothers had a falling out and didn’t talk for 10 years “for reasons that Maurice refuses to discuss to this day. He provides no explanation in the film,...
Hines died Friday of natural causes at the Actors Fund Home in Englewood, New Jersey, his cousin and rep, Richard Nurse, told The Hollywood Reporter. He lived there for a couple of years.
The elegant, Harlem-born Hines received a Tony Award nomination in 1986 for best actor in a musical for Uptown … It’s Hot and starred again on Broadway in 2006’s Hot Feet. He conceived, directed and choreographed both productions.
In his THR review of the 2019 documentary Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back, Frank Scheck wrote that the Hines brothers had a falling out and didn’t talk for 10 years “for reasons that Maurice refuses to discuss to this day. He provides no explanation in the film,...
- 12/30/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Richard Roundtree died and Hollywood is reacting to the news as they remember the late actor.
Samuel L. Jackson was one of the first celebrities to pay tribute to Roundtree having worked together in the reboot of Shaft. Jackson said that Roundtree’s “passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart.”
Gabrielle Union, who worked with Roundtree on the television series Being Mary Jane, took to social media to express what a “dream” it was to share scenes with him.
“Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Getting to hang with him & our Being Mary Jane family was always a good ass time with the best stories & laughs,” Union posted on X, the social network fomerly known as Twitter. “He was Always the coolest man in the room with the Best vibes & ppl would literally run over to come see him. He was simply the best & we all loved him.
Samuel L. Jackson was one of the first celebrities to pay tribute to Roundtree having worked together in the reboot of Shaft. Jackson said that Roundtree’s “passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart.”
Gabrielle Union, who worked with Roundtree on the television series Being Mary Jane, took to social media to express what a “dream” it was to share scenes with him.
“Working with Richard Roundtree was a dream. Getting to hang with him & our Being Mary Jane family was always a good ass time with the best stories & laughs,” Union posted on X, the social network fomerly known as Twitter. “He was Always the coolest man in the room with the Best vibes & ppl would literally run over to come see him. He was simply the best & we all loved him.
- 10/25/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Samuel L. Jackson, Gabrielle Union and more have paid tribute to “Shaft” icon Richard Roundtree, who died Tuesday afternoon after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 81.
Jackson, who first portrayed detective John Shaft’s (Roundtree) nephew in the 2000 sequel to Gordon Parks’ 1971 action thriller “Shaft,” posted a photo of himself and Roundtree on Instagram from the 2019 action thriller, also titled “Shaft.”
“Richard Roundtree, The Prototype, The Best To Ever Do It!! Shaft, as we know it is & will always be His Creation!!,” Jackson wrote in the caption. “His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m sure a lotta y’all’s, too.”
“Love you Brother, I see you walking down the Middle of Main Street in Heaven & Issac’s Conducting your song coat blowin’ in wind!! Angels whispering, ‘That Cat Shaft Is A Bad Mutha, Shutcho Mouth!! But I’m Talkin’ Bout Shaft!
Jackson, who first portrayed detective John Shaft’s (Roundtree) nephew in the 2000 sequel to Gordon Parks’ 1971 action thriller “Shaft,” posted a photo of himself and Roundtree on Instagram from the 2019 action thriller, also titled “Shaft.”
“Richard Roundtree, The Prototype, The Best To Ever Do It!! Shaft, as we know it is & will always be His Creation!!,” Jackson wrote in the caption. “His passing leaves a deep hole not only in my heart, but I’m sure a lotta y’all’s, too.”
“Love you Brother, I see you walking down the Middle of Main Street in Heaven & Issac’s Conducting your song coat blowin’ in wind!! Angels whispering, ‘That Cat Shaft Is A Bad Mutha, Shutcho Mouth!! But I’m Talkin’ Bout Shaft!
- 10/25/2023
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
A newcomer will be easing on down the road next year.
Nichelle Lewis has been cast in the lead role of Dorothy in the Broadway revival of The Wiz, which is slated to hit the boards in the spring. Discovered via a TikTok video and beating out more than 2,000 other hopefuls, she also will play the iconic role in the show’s national tour.
Singer-songwriter Lewis is a Virginia native who has performed in the national tour of Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors, Bare: A Pop Opera and most recently the new musical Labelless. She took first place in the young adult popular vote at the 2021 Music International Grand Prix. See clips of her performances below.
It also was announced Monday that Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker will be producers of the revival, which features some new material from Amber Ruffin. Set to bow in the spring, it has Wayne Brady...
Nichelle Lewis has been cast in the lead role of Dorothy in the Broadway revival of The Wiz, which is slated to hit the boards in the spring. Discovered via a TikTok video and beating out more than 2,000 other hopefuls, she also will play the iconic role in the show’s national tour.
Singer-songwriter Lewis is a Virginia native who has performed in the national tour of Hairspray, Little Shop of Horrors, Bare: A Pop Opera and most recently the new musical Labelless. She took first place in the young adult popular vote at the 2021 Music International Grand Prix. See clips of her performances below.
It also was announced Monday that Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker will be producers of the revival, which features some new material from Amber Ruffin. Set to bow in the spring, it has Wayne Brady...
- 8/14/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney’s new Ariel found herself secretly swimming into the theatres.
Halle Bailey, who stars in the box office blockbuster “The Little Mermaid”, a reimagining of the 1989 Disney classic, snuck into the movie theatre in disguise to watch herself dazzle in the #1 box office smash.
The sneaky clip, which Bailey, 23, shared to TikTok on Sunday, currently sits at 1.2 million likes.
Read More: ‘The Wiz’ Star Stephanie Mills Encourages Halle Bailey To Hold Her ‘Head Up High’ And Let Her ‘Light Shine’ Amid ‘The Little Mermaid”s Racist Backlash
@hallebailey
can’t believe the little mermaid is the #1 movie in the world you guys!! went to the theatre to go see it last night
♬ Part of Your World – From “The Little Mermaid” – Halle
The Disney megastar perfectly emits a veil of secrecy as she dons an oversized pair of shades and a leather jacket while clutching onto a bowl of popcorn.
Halle Bailey, who stars in the box office blockbuster “The Little Mermaid”, a reimagining of the 1989 Disney classic, snuck into the movie theatre in disguise to watch herself dazzle in the #1 box office smash.
The sneaky clip, which Bailey, 23, shared to TikTok on Sunday, currently sits at 1.2 million likes.
Read More: ‘The Wiz’ Star Stephanie Mills Encourages Halle Bailey To Hold Her ‘Head Up High’ And Let Her ‘Light Shine’ Amid ‘The Little Mermaid”s Racist Backlash
@hallebailey
can’t believe the little mermaid is the #1 movie in the world you guys!! went to the theatre to go see it last night
♬ Part of Your World – From “The Little Mermaid” – Halle
The Disney megastar perfectly emits a veil of secrecy as she dons an oversized pair of shades and a leather jacket while clutching onto a bowl of popcorn.
- 5/30/2023
- by Emerson Pearson
- ET Canada
Amid racist backlash toward Disney’s live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid”, Halle Bailey just received some love from singer and actress, Stephanie Mills, who originated Dorothy in The Wiz on Broadway.
Mills took to Instagram to compare her experience on the seven-time Tony Award winning musical version of “The Wizard of Oz”, which had an all-Black cast, to what Bailey has been going through since news of her Ariel casting broke in July 2019.
“I know what this baby @hallebailey has been dealing with,” Mills began in the caption of her heartfelt post. “I got so much hate mail, I was told Judy Garland ‘is turning over in her grave’. All because a little black girl was playing a [role] that was once played by a white girl. It’s sad to see the same thing is happening to this beautiful, talented, smart and intelligent actress.
Read More: Halle Bailey Fans...
Mills took to Instagram to compare her experience on the seven-time Tony Award winning musical version of “The Wizard of Oz”, which had an all-Black cast, to what Bailey has been going through since news of her Ariel casting broke in July 2019.
“I know what this baby @hallebailey has been dealing with,” Mills began in the caption of her heartfelt post. “I got so much hate mail, I was told Judy Garland ‘is turning over in her grave’. All because a little black girl was playing a [role] that was once played by a white girl. It’s sad to see the same thing is happening to this beautiful, talented, smart and intelligent actress.
Read More: Halle Bailey Fans...
- 5/30/2023
- by Melissa Romualdi
- ET Canada
Stephanie Mills is opening up about her experience playing Dorothy in the Broadway musical The Wiz and all the “hate mail” she received for playing a character that a white woman played before. Mills compares the negativity that Halle Bailey is now experiencing as the star of the live-action adaptation of The Little Mermaid.
“As a young Black girl playing the [role] as Dorothy in 7-time Tony Award-winning Broadway play The Wiz, I know what this baby #HalleBailey has been dealing with,” Mills expressed in a Facebook post. “I got so much hate mail, I was told Judy Garland ‘is turning over in her grave.’ All because a little Black girl was playing a [role], that was once played by a white girl.”
The Wiz is an adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz but influenced by contemporary African-American culture. Mills originated the role of Dorothy in the 1974 musical and seemingly received...
“As a young Black girl playing the [role] as Dorothy in 7-time Tony Award-winning Broadway play The Wiz, I know what this baby #HalleBailey has been dealing with,” Mills expressed in a Facebook post. “I got so much hate mail, I was told Judy Garland ‘is turning over in her grave.’ All because a little Black girl was playing a [role], that was once played by a white girl.”
The Wiz is an adaptation of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz but influenced by contemporary African-American culture. Mills originated the role of Dorothy in the 1974 musical and seemingly received...
- 5/29/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Stephanie Mills, who originated the role of Dorothy in Broadway’s The Wiz nearly 50 years ago, says she can relate to Halle Bailey, the star of Disney’s new live-action film The Little Mermaid, and the racist backlash she’s been the target of since casting was announced.
Mills wrote a letter to the “beautiful and talented” Bailey, who plays Ariel in the remake, and shared it on Twitter.
In the letter, “I touch on the similarities I experienced as a young black girl playing Dorothy 50 years ago in #TheWiz on Broadway,” Mills added. “So happy for her. #BlackGirlMagic”
Mills relates that she received the same backlash for taking on the role of Dorothy in the reimagining of Frank L. Baum’s classic book-turned-film The Wizard of Oz. The 1939 movie adaptation starred Judy Garland as Dorothy. At the time she made her Broadway debut in 1974, Mills was 17. (For her part,...
Mills wrote a letter to the “beautiful and talented” Bailey, who plays Ariel in the remake, and shared it on Twitter.
In the letter, “I touch on the similarities I experienced as a young black girl playing Dorothy 50 years ago in #TheWiz on Broadway,” Mills added. “So happy for her. #BlackGirlMagic”
Mills relates that she received the same backlash for taking on the role of Dorothy in the reimagining of Frank L. Baum’s classic book-turned-film The Wizard of Oz. The 1939 movie adaptation starred Judy Garland as Dorothy. At the time she made her Broadway debut in 1974, Mills was 17. (For her part,...
- 5/29/2023
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ted Lasso has a big decision to make. In the 11th episode of "Ted Lasso"'s third season, which was released on Apple TV+ on May 24, Ted (Jason Sudeikis) is confronted by his mom, Dottie (Becky Ann Baker), about how his son, Henry (Gus Turner), misses him back home in Kansas.
"I know," Ted says. "I miss him, too." He starts crying and struggles to find the words. "It's like I'm scared sometimes to like get close close to that little boy . . . 'Cause I know he's gonna leave." His mom tells him, "That's the thing about being a parent. Sometimes you lose and sometimes you win, but most of the time you just tie."
Ted falls asleep on the couch that night, and when he wakes up in the morning, Dottie has left, headed back to America. Ted walks to work, like he always does, and finds Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) in his office.
"I know," Ted says. "I miss him, too." He starts crying and struggles to find the words. "It's like I'm scared sometimes to like get close close to that little boy . . . 'Cause I know he's gonna leave." His mom tells him, "That's the thing about being a parent. Sometimes you lose and sometimes you win, but most of the time you just tie."
Ted falls asleep on the couch that night, and when he wakes up in the morning, Dottie has left, headed back to America. Ted walks to work, like he always does, and finds Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) in his office.
- 5/24/2023
- by Victoria Edel
- Popsugar.com
We're shocked, shocked, I tell you, at how many shows are on hiatuses or even worse, extended hiatuses beginning this week.
Will broadcast networks ever get out of their own way long enough to succeed?
Well, thankfully, we've got cable and streaming to keep us afloat. Check out what we recommend you watch this week.
Saturday, April 8
8/7c Pride: A Seven Deadly Sins Story (Lifetime)
Lifetime’s Seven Deadly Sins series produced by pastor T.D. Jakes continues with Pride.
Grammy Award Winning Icon Stephanie Mills stars in this story as a famous bakery owner and tv star, Birdie, whose past threatens to stain all of her current success.
When Birdie’s son gets out of prison, she must face what his and her granddaughter’s presence raises up for her.
Sunday, April 9
Rabbit Hole (Paramount+)
Armed with the data stolen from Arda, Weir is in go-mode to unveil the truth...
Will broadcast networks ever get out of their own way long enough to succeed?
Well, thankfully, we've got cable and streaming to keep us afloat. Check out what we recommend you watch this week.
Saturday, April 8
8/7c Pride: A Seven Deadly Sins Story (Lifetime)
Lifetime’s Seven Deadly Sins series produced by pastor T.D. Jakes continues with Pride.
Grammy Award Winning Icon Stephanie Mills stars in this story as a famous bakery owner and tv star, Birdie, whose past threatens to stain all of her current success.
When Birdie’s son gets out of prison, she must face what his and her granddaughter’s presence raises up for her.
Sunday, April 9
Rabbit Hole (Paramount+)
Armed with the data stolen from Arda, Weir is in go-mode to unveil the truth...
- 4/8/2023
- by Carissa Pavlica
- TVfanatic
Stephanie Mills The Wiz, Orfeh Legally Blonde, Lucas Steele Natasha, Pierre amp The Great Comet Of 1812 and NBC's Gus Rosendale will join Stephanie J. Block Falsettos, The Mystery Of Edwin Drood, Mandy Gonzalez Hamilton, In The Heights, Mario Cantone 'The View', Robert Creighton Cagney, Randy Graff City Of Angels, The Babylon Line, to perform at the seventh annual Broadway Belts For Pff hosted by the one-and-only actress and comedienne Julie Halston.
- 2/9/2017
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
NBC's The Wiz Live was a smash hit last week, and it wasn't long before a childhood video of Beyoncé singing one of the musical's biggest songs began to go viral. In the clip - which is from Houston's Sammy Awards - a 7-year-old Bey belts out the ballad, which was originally sung by Stephanie Mills in the Broadway production and Diana Ross in the 1978 big-screen adaptation. Not only does she nail the solo, but it's also hard not to notice how much she resembles her 3-year-old daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. Watch the video above now, then see Shanice Williams's version of the song and the best social reactions from last week's live-action special.
- 12/8/2015
- by Brittney Stephens
- Popsugar.com
Mere minutes into NBC’s broadcast of The Wiz Live! you could feel the Internet – or at least its nicer corners – breathe a huge sigh of relief. The network’s previous attempts at creating a classic for a new generation with The Sound of Music Live! and Peter Pan Live! resulted mostly in deflated fodder for live-tweeters hoping to get their fifteen minutes. Against all odds, The Wiz Live! managed to shake the Hate-Watch label and put on a legitimately entertaining show. Thanks to solid casting, spotless performances, and a strong choice of source material, NBC finally found a way to make appointment television satisfying for families and musical theatre fans alike.
Based on L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Wiz eased on to the Broadway stage in 1975 as a soulful retelling that featured an all-black cast and a score with roots in pop and R&B.
Based on L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Wiz eased on to the Broadway stage in 1975 as a soulful retelling that featured an all-black cast and a score with roots in pop and R&B.
- 12/5/2015
- by Samantha White
- We Got This Covered
NBC aired its colorful holiday production of The Wiz Live last night, featuring newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy alongside Grammy and Golden Globe-winner Queen Latifah as the Wizard, nine-time Grammy-winner Mary J. Blige as Evillene, original Dorothy, Stephanie Mills, as Auntie Em and David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion. Whether you missed the special presentation when it aired or just want to re-live the amazing journey through Oz, watch the entire show below...
- 12/5/2015
- by Stage Tube
- BroadwayWorld.com
NBC's musical television production of The Wiz Live stars world-class performers and recording artists including Queen Latifah Chicago, Mary J. Blige Empire, Ne-Yo Red Tails, and David Alan Grier In Living Color. Staying true to the groundbreaking Broadway show that put a vivid urban spin on the land of Oz, this fresh new trip down the yellow brick road also stars Common Being Charlie, Elijah Kelley Hairspray, Uzo Aduba Orange is the New Black, Amber Riley Glee, Stephanie Mills The Love Boat, and newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy. Also included on the DVD will be the NBC special, The Making of The Wiz Live, featuring the behind-the-scenes story of producing this live television event...
- 12/4/2015
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Shanice Williams, take your victory lap. The Wiz Live! star became just that, a star last night. The 18-year-old newcomer from New Jersey helped make NBC's latest live musical a hit, easily tackling the classics from the show, including "Home" and "Ease on Down the Road." Executive producer Neil Meron said it best. "Definitely a star is born. Get ready, America. This is only the first time people are going to be seeing Shanice Williams," he told us prior to the show's debut. See Williams tackle "Home" below. In The Wiz Live, an all-star cast including Ne-Yo, Elijah Kelley, David Alan Grier, Stephanie Mills, Amber Riley, Uzo Aduba, Common, Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah joined...
- 12/4/2015
- E! Online
Twitter turned out on Thursday (Dec. 3) night ready and eager for a favorite new annual tradition: Eviscerating an NBC live musical for cheap sets, incoherent direction, unimaginative choreography and bland stars getting upstaged by Broadway veterans in all-too-tiny cameos. Curses. It took less than five minutes for NBC's The Wiz Live! to crush dreams of an evening spent in glorious communal mockery, as Dorothy (revelatory newcomer Shanice Williams) was whisked away from her disappointing prairie life (and non-disappointing Aunt Em, played by Original Dorothy, Stephanie Mills) in a nightmarish maelstrom of digital twister effects augmented by
read more...
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- 12/4/2015
- by Daniel Fienberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Coming off last year’s so-so Peter Pan Live!, the pressure was on 2015’s candidate, The Wiz Live (what happened to the exclamation point?) to restore health and good vibrations to NBC’s holiday-season, live-musical franchise.
I’m pleased to report, then, that won’t nobody bring you no bad news. Led by newcomer Shanice Williams, Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige, actual queen Queen Latifah and Stephanie Mills (aka Broadway’s original Dorothy), The Wiz Live was a gorgeously sung, technically solid and surprisingly zippy two hours and 45 minutes.
RelatedTVLine’s 10 Best Drama Series of 2015
Oh sure, there...
I’m pleased to report, then, that won’t nobody bring you no bad news. Led by newcomer Shanice Williams, Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige, actual queen Queen Latifah and Stephanie Mills (aka Broadway’s original Dorothy), The Wiz Live was a gorgeously sung, technically solid and surprisingly zippy two hours and 45 minutes.
RelatedTVLine’s 10 Best Drama Series of 2015
Oh sure, there...
- 12/4/2015
- TVLine.com
The Wiz Live! took fans back to Oz and took over Twitter Thursday night.
NBC's live musical featured newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy, and despite rave reviews for performance, there was one key component missing from most of the production: Toto! The canine favorite, played by a pair of adorable rescue dogs, appeared in the opening segment (as well as the end), but did not follow Dorothy to Oz – causing plenty of Twitter users to express their concern for the pooch. It's worth noting that in the original Broadway version of The Wiz, Toto did not make the journey to Oz either.
NBC's live musical featured newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy, and despite rave reviews for performance, there was one key component missing from most of the production: Toto! The canine favorite, played by a pair of adorable rescue dogs, appeared in the opening segment (as well as the end), but did not follow Dorothy to Oz – causing plenty of Twitter users to express their concern for the pooch. It's worth noting that in the original Broadway version of The Wiz, Toto did not make the journey to Oz either.
- 12/4/2015
- People.com - TV Watch
The Wiz Live! airs tonight! The highly-anticipated NBC musical event airs at 8 p.m., so there's just a couple of hours left for everyone to prepare. So what do you need to know? First of all, this cast is awesome. Mary J. Blige is Evillene the Wicked Witch, Queen Latifah is The Wiz, David Alan Grier is the Cowardly Lion, Ne-Yo is the Tin Man, Uzo Aduba is Glinda the Good Witch, Elijah Kelley is the Scarecrow, Common is the Bouncer, Amber Riley is Addapearle the Good Witch, Stephanie Mills is Aunt Em and Shanice Williams is Dorothy! Watch the E! News video above to find out what else you can expect on the show! Be sure to watch The Wiz Live! tonight at 8 p.m. on NBC. (E! and...
- 12/4/2015
- E! Online
Excited for The Wiz Live! tonight? So are we, and so is Ne-Yo, who plays the Tin-Man in the gigantic live production of the beloved musical. "I grew up on The Wiz [the 1978 movie] and was a huge fan of the film," the singer told E! News. "I never got to see the Broadway production, but I know that Stephanie Mills was the original Dorothy, and now she's Auntie Em for this one, and it's just full circle." "I am beyond honored to be a part of this," said Ne-Yo. "The Wiz, for us—and when I say us I mean African Americans—it was our version of The Wizard of Oz, but we don't want to even go into this like that. We want this to be more of a universal thing. There's a...
- 12/3/2015
- E! Online
We are another day closer to NBC's highly-anticipated musical special, The Wiz Live,which airs Thursday, December 3, at 8PM7c. The production will star newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy alongside Grammy and Golden Globe-winner Queen Latifah as the Wizard, nine-time Grammy-winner Mary J. Blige as Evillene, original Dorothy, Stephanie Mills, as Auntie Em and David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion.
- 12/2/2015
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Haven't heard of Shanice Williams? That's about to change. The newcomer is taking on the role of Dorothy in NBC's The Wiz Live, a role that has been played by the likes of Stephanie Mills, Diana Ross and Ashanti. "She is amazing. This kid is unbelievable," Queen Latifah told E! News. "So talented and so sweet, down to earth, and she is nailing it. I really just see her as Dorothy now. She has reeled me in…I'm there." Williams, an 18-year-old New Jersey native, was cast in the role in August after an open casting call. Director Kenny Leon happened to be there when she came in and immediately informed the show's producers. "We couldn't think of a star out there...
- 12/2/2015
- E! Online
In anticipation of this star-studded event, over the next few days, we are going to be looking at the impressive musical careers and when possible, musical theatre careers of The Wiz Live stars. Today, we are going to throw open the gates of the Emerald City and look at the stars making their home in Oz. First, Queen Latifah as The Wizard of Oz, then Common as the Bouncer, and finally Stephanie Mills as Auntie Em. While Auntie Em never actually does make it to Oz, since Mills has been a major part in the journey of The Wiz for over 40 years, I think it is safe to say that she is an official Ozian...
- 11/30/2015
- by Matt Tamanini
- BroadwayWorld.com
Everybody, rejoice – it's almost time to ease on down the road back to Oz!
Over the past few weeks, we've seen peeks at the stars of NBC's The Wiz Live! on their own, but now People has an exclusive first look at everyone together, including Toto.
"We're creating a fantasy land that is also inspired by some of the imagery you'd see today," Tony-nominated costume designer Paul Tazewell told People in October. "It's the edgiest of high fashion from now but in the world of the Emerald City.
Newcomer Shanice Williams stars as Dorothy. She's joined by Ne-Yo as the Tin Man,...
Over the past few weeks, we've seen peeks at the stars of NBC's The Wiz Live! on their own, but now People has an exclusive first look at everyone together, including Toto.
"We're creating a fantasy land that is also inspired by some of the imagery you'd see today," Tony-nominated costume designer Paul Tazewell told People in October. "It's the edgiest of high fashion from now but in the world of the Emerald City.
Newcomer Shanice Williams stars as Dorothy. She's joined by Ne-Yo as the Tin Man,...
- 11/23/2015
- by Chancellor Agard, @chancelloragard
- People.com - TV Watch
After unveiling a few promo stills last week, NBC has started to ease The Wiz Live! on down to its release date, which means that we've gotten a few more glimpses of the big event. In a newly released promo, Mary J. Blige's sings and also shouts "I hate water!" which is all we ever wanted from Mary J. Blige. And, if you were distracted by all that hydrophobia, take a moment to gaze in admiration at her very glam Wicked Witch of the West outfit.If that wasn't enough, here's Queen Latifah crooning a few bars as the titular Wiz. Common, Amber Riley, Ne-Yo, Elijah Kelley, Amber Riley, Stephanie Mills, David Alan Grier, Uzo Aduba, and Shanice Williams also star in the show. Will The Wiz be good? Who knows! Will it set Twitter aflame? Definitely.
- 11/22/2015
- by Jackson McHenry
- Vulture
Something wicked this way comes – and it's Mary J. Blige!
The singer is currently in rehearsals for NBC's upcoming musical event The Wiz Live! and the first photos of her in costume as Evilene (a.k.a. the Wicked Witch of the West) were released on Friday.
Blige's costume is just the latest wickedly awesome look from the show to be revealed leading up to the December telecast.
"We're creating a fantasy land that also is inspired by some of the imagery you'd see today," Tony-nominated costume designer Paul Tazewell told People in October. "It's the edgiest of high-fashion from...
The singer is currently in rehearsals for NBC's upcoming musical event The Wiz Live! and the first photos of her in costume as Evilene (a.k.a. the Wicked Witch of the West) were released on Friday.
Blige's costume is just the latest wickedly awesome look from the show to be revealed leading up to the December telecast.
"We're creating a fantasy land that also is inspired by some of the imagery you'd see today," Tony-nominated costume designer Paul Tazewell told People in October. "It's the edgiest of high-fashion from...
- 11/20/2015
- by Patrick Gomez, @PatrickGomezLA
- People.com - TV Watch
They're off to see The Wizard!
NBC's The Wiz Live! is still a few weeks away, but People and Entertainment Weekly has an exclusive look at three of its stars in character.
There's Queen Latifah as The Wiz, Common as Bouncer, the Emerald City gatekeeper and Uzo Aduba as Glinda.
The musical, based on the 1975 Broadway production, stars newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy and also stars Mary J. Blige, Ne-Yo, more.
Williams, 19, has gotten advice from original The Wiz Broadway star Stephanie Mills, who appears in the NBC musical as Auntie Em.
"One of the best pieces of advice she's...
NBC's The Wiz Live! is still a few weeks away, but People and Entertainment Weekly has an exclusive look at three of its stars in character.
There's Queen Latifah as The Wiz, Common as Bouncer, the Emerald City gatekeeper and Uzo Aduba as Glinda.
The musical, based on the 1975 Broadway production, stars newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy and also stars Mary J. Blige, Ne-Yo, more.
Williams, 19, has gotten advice from original The Wiz Broadway star Stephanie Mills, who appears in the NBC musical as Auntie Em.
"One of the best pieces of advice she's...
- 11/16/2015
- by Aaron Couch, @AaronCouch
- People.com - TV Watch
Update 11/16/15: The marketing drive for "The Wiz Live!" is in full swing, with another video tease - this time giving us first looks at what Queen Latifah as The Wiz; Common as the Bouncer, the gatekeeper of the entrance to Emerald City; Stephanie Mills (who played Dorothy in the original Broadway production of “The Wiz”) as Auntie Em; and Uzo Aduba as Glinda, the good witch. Watch it immediately below and catch up on past updates underneath. *** Update 11/11/15: NBC has released a new digital exclusive for its upcoming "The Wiz Live!" production - this one featuring stars Shanice Williams and Stephanie Mills singing...
- 11/16/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
It took one preview duet, one song, and two tremendous vocalists to do it, but now we're ready for "The Wiz Live!", NBC's newest live musical, to ease on down to primetime December 3. Check out this very special rendition of "Home" featuring new star Shanice Williams and Broadway's original Dorothy herself, Stephanie Mills. Also in the cast: David Alan Grier (the Cowardly Lion), Queen Latifah (the Wiz), Uzo Aduba (Glinda), Elijah Kelley (Scarecrow), Ne-Yo (Tin Man), and Amber Riley (Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North). And just in case you forgot about television's most legendary performance of "Home" to date, check out this relic.
- 11/13/2015
- by Louis Virtel
- Hitfix
Update 11/11/15: NBC has released a new digital exclusive for its upcoming "The Wiz Live!" production - this one featuring stars Shanice Williams and Stephanie Mills singing "Home." *** Update 11/2/15: NBC has released a new preview/teaser for the live event, which is embedded immediately below: *** Update 10/30/15: Complete casting has now been set for NBC's December 3 live broadcast of "The Wiz Live." Joining the previously-cast Shanice Williams, Stephanie Mills, Uzo Aduba, Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, David Alan Grier, David Alan Grier, Common, Ne-Yo, and Elijah Kelley are recently announced additions: Chris...
- 11/11/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
In a special reunion of sorts, two generations of Dorothys will hit the stage when NBC airs The Wiz Live! in December.
Four decades after she originated the role of Dorothy in the 1975 Broadway production of the The Wiz, actress Stephanie Mills will return to the reimagined telling of The Wizard of Oz – but this time as Auntie Em.
Mills will act opposite newcomer Shanice Williams, who beat out thousands of hopefuls for the role of Dorothy in this one-time broadcast that also stars Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, Ne-Yo, Common, Uzo Aduba and more.
As the cast is currently...
Four decades after she originated the role of Dorothy in the 1975 Broadway production of the The Wiz, actress Stephanie Mills will return to the reimagined telling of The Wizard of Oz – but this time as Auntie Em.
Mills will act opposite newcomer Shanice Williams, who beat out thousands of hopefuls for the role of Dorothy in this one-time broadcast that also stars Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, Ne-Yo, Common, Uzo Aduba and more.
As the cast is currently...
- 11/11/2015
- by Dylan Kickham and Patrick Gomez
- People.com - TV Watch
The first teaser for The Wiz Live! has the star-studded cast taking their first, all-important steps down that iconic Yellow Brick Road.
NBC released the promo on Tuesday, revealing newcomer Shanice Williams in action as Dorothy and singing the musical's famous "Ease on Down the Road" for the first time before uttering the Kansas sweetheart's signature phrase: "There's no place like home."
Williams, 19, is joined by vets of stage, song and screen Ne-Yo as Tinman, David Alan Grier as Lion and Elijah Kelley as Scarecrow.
Williams and her costars have some big shoes to fill: Diana Ross played Dorothy in...
NBC released the promo on Tuesday, revealing newcomer Shanice Williams in action as Dorothy and singing the musical's famous "Ease on Down the Road" for the first time before uttering the Kansas sweetheart's signature phrase: "There's no place like home."
Williams, 19, is joined by vets of stage, song and screen Ne-Yo as Tinman, David Alan Grier as Lion and Elijah Kelley as Scarecrow.
Williams and her costars have some big shoes to fill: Diana Ross played Dorothy in...
- 11/3/2015
- by Chancellor Agard, @chancelloragard
- People.com - TV Watch
He has rather large shoes to fill as he eases on down the road, but The Wiz Live!'s new Scarecrow considers the role a real thriller.
"I'm not intimidated. I'm not scared," said Elijah Kelley of taking on the role made famous by Michael Jackson in the Broadway musical's 1978 film adaptation.
"I don't want to outdo Mike. I don't want to overdo," he added at a Radio Andy-hosted SiriusXM Town Hall for the upcoming NBC live event.
But Kelley is happy to follow the path paved by the King of Pop in some ways, saying he feels blessed to sing "You Can't Win,...
"I'm not intimidated. I'm not scared," said Elijah Kelley of taking on the role made famous by Michael Jackson in the Broadway musical's 1978 film adaptation.
"I don't want to outdo Mike. I don't want to overdo," he added at a Radio Andy-hosted SiriusXM Town Hall for the upcoming NBC live event.
But Kelley is happy to follow the path paved by the King of Pop in some ways, saying he feels blessed to sing "You Can't Win,...
- 10/27/2015
- by Chancellor Agard, @chancelloragard
- People.com - TV Watch
Here is our first look at the key art for NBC’s latest live production of a Broadway musical. The Wiz Live! stars — from left to right below — David Alan Grier as Lion, Shanice Williams as Dorothy, Ne-Yo as Tinman and Elijah Kelly as Scarecrow. Also on the playbill are Queen Latifah as the Wiz; Mary J. Blige as Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West; Stephanie Mills, who played Dorothy in the original Broadway production, as Auntie Em; Uzo Aduba as Glinda, the Good Witch…...
- 10/13/2015
- Deadline TV
It was in May when NBC announced an open casting call for the lead role of Dorothy in the network’s upcoming holiday special “The Wiz Live!,” set to air on Thursday, Dec. 3. Revealed last month, newcomer Shanice Williams was cast as Dorothy, beating out lots of competition - potentially the break of a lifetime for the actress/singer. Williams joins David Alan Grier, who will play the Cowardly Lion; Queen Latifah stars as the Wiz; Mary J. Blige will play Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West; Stephanie Mills (who played Dorothy in the original Broadway production of “The Wiz”) will portray Auntie Em; Common will play the Bouncer, the gatekeeper of the...
- 9/30/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
The Wiz Live! finally has an idea of what its full cast will look like. Today, NBC added Common, Ne-Yo, and The Butler's Elijah Kelley to the musical. Newcomer Kelley will take on the role of the Scarecrow, previously played by Michael Jackson in the 1978 movie. Ne-Yo, who'll have a hand in the music on Empire's second season, has been cast as the Tin Man. Common is the Bouncer, Oz's gatekeeper, which won't be a singing role. So here's the how the cast currently looks: Dorothy: Shanice Williams Scarecrow: Elijah Kelley Tin Man: Ne-Yo The Lion: David Alan Grier The Wicked Witch of the West: Mary J. Blige Glinda: Uzo Aduba The Wiz: Queen Latifah The Bouncer: Common Addaperle: Amber Riley Aunt Em: Stephanie Mills The Wiz Live! will bow December 3.
- 8/13/2015
- by Dee Lockett
- Vulture
NBC's upcoming musical event The Wiz Live! has added "Orange Is the New Black" star Uzo Aduba, and "Glee's" Amber Riley to its cast. The pair have signed up to play two of the Good Witches, the network announced Thursday. Aduba will play Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, while Riley will portray Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North. They join newcomer Shanice Williams, who has been cast as Dorothy; David Alan Grier, who will play the Cowardly Lion; Queen Latifah stars as the Wiz; Mary J. Blige will play Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West; and Stephanie Mills (who played Dorothy in the original Broadway production of “The...
- 8/6/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Bow down, witches.
Amber Riley (Glee) and Uzo Aduba (Orange Is the New Black) will play the Wicked Witch of the West’s sisters in NBC’s upcoming live production of The Wiz, the network announced Thursday.
Riley will play Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North, and Aduba will play Glinda, the Good Witch of the South — both sisters of Evilene, the Wicked Witch of the West played by Mary J. Blige.
RelatedCoach Revival Casts Kimmy Schmidt‘s Andrew Ridings as Hayden’s Son
Addaperle, who’s not that great at magic, is the witch who points Dorothy...
Amber Riley (Glee) and Uzo Aduba (Orange Is the New Black) will play the Wicked Witch of the West’s sisters in NBC’s upcoming live production of The Wiz, the network announced Thursday.
Riley will play Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North, and Aduba will play Glinda, the Good Witch of the South — both sisters of Evilene, the Wicked Witch of the West played by Mary J. Blige.
RelatedCoach Revival Casts Kimmy Schmidt‘s Andrew Ridings as Hayden’s Son
Addaperle, who’s not that great at magic, is the witch who points Dorothy...
- 8/6/2015
- TVLine.com
NBC's live production of The Wiz continues to add to its impressive cast. Orange Is the New Black's Uzo Aduba and Glee alum Amber Riley have joined the production, NBC announced Thursday. Queen Latifah will portray the Wiz in the live production, with Mary J. Blige playing Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West. David Alan Grier has landed the role of the Cowardly Lion. Stephanie Mills, who starred as Dorothy in the original Broadway production of The Wiz, is taking on the role of Aunt Em for the NBC rendition. And newcomer Shanice Williams has landed the role of Dorothy following a nationwide casting call. Aduba — best
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- 8/6/2015
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Wiz Live! has found its leading lady!
Shanice Williams will play Dorothy in NBC's musical TV event airing in December.
"This has been my dream forever, but I never thought it would be a reality," the New Jersey native tells People after beating out hundreds of hopefuls for the big part.
"I still can't believe it. Of course I've been a big fan. I had the movie and my dad had the soundtrack and we would listen to it in the car," she says, adding, "I also saw the original with Stephanie Mills."
While Williams is still in shock...
Shanice Williams will play Dorothy in NBC's musical TV event airing in December.
"This has been my dream forever, but I never thought it would be a reality," the New Jersey native tells People after beating out hundreds of hopefuls for the big part.
"I still can't believe it. Of course I've been a big fan. I had the movie and my dad had the soundtrack and we would listen to it in the car," she says, adding, "I also saw the original with Stephanie Mills."
While Williams is still in shock...
- 8/5/2015
- by Emily Strohm, @emablonde
- People.com - TV Watch
NBC has finally found a Dorothy for its live production of The Wiz: 18-year-old New Jersey native Shanice Williams snagged the part a million girls would kill for through an open casting call. She'll be joining a host of veteran actors and singers, including Stephanie Mills (who played Dorothy in the original Broadway production) as Auntie Em, Queen Latifah as the Wiz, Mary J. Blige as the Wicked Witch of the West, and, most recently, David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion. The Today show broke the announcement Wednesday morning and has a video of Williams's audition and the moment when she learned she got the part. Try not to get tears into your sad desk salad.
- 8/5/2015
- by E. Alex Jung
- Vulture
Charming
Avril Lavigne, Ashley Tisdale and Chinese pop star G.E.M. have all joined the cast of 3Qu Media's animated musical comedy "Charming" which John H. Williams and Henry Skelsey will produce.
Lavigne plays Snow White, Tisdale is Cinderella and Qem is Sleeping Beauty with the trio joining Demi Lovato as the female lead Lenore. The story follows what happens after the princesses discover they are all engaged to the same prince. [Source: Deadline]
Kong: Skull Island
Corey Hawkins ("Straight Outta Compton") is in negotiations to join Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson in the action-packed "King Kong" prequel "Kong: Skull Island" at Legendary Pictures.
Jordan Vogt-Roberts helms the film which will be set in the mysterious, dangerous home of the king of the apes as a team of explorers ventures deep inside the island. Max Borenstein, John Gatins and Dan Gilroy penned the script. [Source: Variety]
The Wiz
New Jersey native Shanice Williams...
Avril Lavigne, Ashley Tisdale and Chinese pop star G.E.M. have all joined the cast of 3Qu Media's animated musical comedy "Charming" which John H. Williams and Henry Skelsey will produce.
Lavigne plays Snow White, Tisdale is Cinderella and Qem is Sleeping Beauty with the trio joining Demi Lovato as the female lead Lenore. The story follows what happens after the princesses discover they are all engaged to the same prince. [Source: Deadline]
Kong: Skull Island
Corey Hawkins ("Straight Outta Compton") is in negotiations to join Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson in the action-packed "King Kong" prequel "Kong: Skull Island" at Legendary Pictures.
Jordan Vogt-Roberts helms the film which will be set in the mysterious, dangerous home of the king of the apes as a team of explorers ventures deep inside the island. Max Borenstein, John Gatins and Dan Gilroy penned the script. [Source: Variety]
The Wiz
New Jersey native Shanice Williams...
- 8/5/2015
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
There’s no place like home, but 18-year-old actress Shanice Williams probably won’t mind being whisked away from New Jersey to star as Dorothy in NBC’s “The Wiz Live!” Williams, who was selected out of hundreds of applicants nationwide, will join Cowardly Lion David Alan Grier, Wicked Witch of the West Mary J. Blige, and Queen Latifah, who plays the titular wizard. Stephanie Mills — who was Dorothy in the original Broadway production of the African-American adaptation — is taking on the role of Auntie Em for the broadcast TV version. Also Read: Joel McHale Says 'Community' Is...
- 8/5/2015
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
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