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Stephanie Mills Will Play Aunt Em In NBC’s THE WIZ Live

Andrew Shade
By Andrew Shade

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It always will begin with Stephanie Mills BREAKING: Original Dorothy Stephanie Mills to Star as Aunt Em in NBC's THE WIZ LIVE!it seems. Mills, who was the original Dorothy in the Broadway production of The Wiz in 1975 and for the revival in 1984, has been cast to play Aunt Em in NBC’s live production of the musical, set to air on December 3, with big plans to bring it to Broadway in the 2016-17 season in association with Cirque du Soleil .

Today, according to multiple sources who attended the NBC Upfronts presentation and confirmed by executive producer Craig Zaden on twitter that Grammy Award winning Mills will not only join the cast but also that the role of Dorothy would be going to a newcomer! So that cancels out casting plans for some but we’re beyond ecstatic about this.

This is a full circle moment. One to take in with a deep breath and appreciate. This just feels right, it’s so appropriate and… respectful. It’s just… all-around lovely to hear and to think about. We’re excited and anxious to hear the rest of the casting. They’re definitely on the right path. We’re keeping the faith that it stays there.

The Wiz for NBC will partner with Cirque du Soleil to bring the live and Broadway productions to life. Tony Award winning director Kenny Leon will stage both productions. The original book of the show was written by William F. Brown. This time around, legend Harvey Fierstein will add new material to the book.

“We love this yearly tradition and we’re more excited than ever to not only bring another Broadway musical to America’s living rooms, but also see it land on Broadway as well,” said NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt. “It’s a natural next step for our live musical events and we’re so pleased to be in business with this award-winning creative team and Scott Zeiger, President and Managing Director of Cirque du Soleil’s new theatrical division. Cirque’s incredible imagination will help bring the fantasy world of Oz vividly to life and give this great show a modern spin on the age-old story we all love.”

“We are delighted that NBC and Cirque du Soleil will present ‘The Wiz,'” said Zeiger. “It’s a musical I have wanted to produce for years and it’s the perfect show to present under the new Cirque du Soleil Theatrical banner.”

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to not only produce this as our next live musical for NBC, but to then see it move to Broadway for a new generation to experience,” said Zadan. “It will be a joy to work again with Kenny Leon, who did ‘Steel Magnolias’ and ‘Raisin in the Sun’ with us,” added Meron.

Universal Television will produce. Casting for both the NBC telecast and Cirque du Soleil‘s Broadway production will be announced at a later date.

Watch Below As Stephanie Mills Sings Home from The Wiz on the Soul Train Awards 2014

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Andrew Shade
Andrew Shade
Drew Shade is a visionary creative force at the intersection of Black theatre, media, and culture. As the Founder and Creative Director of Broadway Black, Off-Book: The Podcast, and The Antonyo Awards, he champions artistic excellence and amplifies the voices of Black theatre artists with intention, heart, and unapologetic pride. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Playbill, Deadline, The Observer, and Apple TV’s Dear…, and he's collaborated with brands and institutions such as NBC, BET, Audible, Universal Pictures, SheaMoisture, The Public Theater, Signature Theatre, National Black Theatre, and more. He has also served as a cultural consultant and curator for countless Broadway productions for over a decade — establishing himself as a trusted voice and tastemaker in theatre and media. In addition to his work behind the scenes, Shade is a performer and creative artist in his own right, with credits including Classical Theatre of Harlem’s The First Noel at The Apollo, The Preacher’s Wife musical at The Alliance Theatre, and a Sondheim tribute concert at Carnegie Hall led by Tituss Burgess. He’s also lent his voice to campaigns for Google and continues to explore visual storytelling through photography — from red carpets to press coverage. Rooted in joy, justice, and the belief that Black theatre is both legacy and revolution, Shade continues to build platforms and shine light where it’s long been overdue — so Black artists are seen, heard, and celebrated on their own terms. “Have a belief in yourself that is bigger than anyone’s disbelief.” – August Wilson

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  3. […] Executive producers Craig Zadan & Neil Meron officially announced that Academy Award nominee Queen Latifah & Grammy Award winner Mary J. Blige will join the cast of The Wiz Live, set to air on NBC Dec. 3rd. Latifah will play The Wiz, a role originated on stage by the incomparable Andre De Shields (Ain’t Misbehavin, The Full Monty). Blige will portray the role of Evillene, the horrible wicked witch known for the upbeat “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News.” They join Stephanie Mills as Aunt Em, who was previously announced. […]

  7. […] Stephanie Mills Will Play Aunt Em in NBC’s The Wiz + Fatima Robinson Will Choreograph og dorothy/performer royalty being cast in this fitting role is giving me all kinds of full circle feels. and fatima is another perfect choice. i’m kind of sad that dorothy will be a newbie (even though i’m fully in support of giving new talent big exposure), but so far casting has me optimistic. […]

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