NBC has finally decided to put on a live rendition of its iconic The Wiz. For its cast, the star-studded lineup will include Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah and, perhaps most importantly, 18-year-old Shanice Williams, who will star as Dorothy.
Sure, the cast has some show biz veterans in its ranks like Blige and Latifah (David Alan Grier also stars as the cowardly lion) but for the supremely coveted main role, a nationwide casting call was put in place. This was at the behest of the producers, who felt the search would yield an actor of "perfect, pure talent" that would also be shrouded in obscurity.
If you want to turn your back entirely on other well-deserved talent, then perhaps this is the way of going about it. Nonetheless, Williams is certainly of the caliber and fit for the role. And if you watch the moment she discovered she landed the part, then you might just be on her side too.
As reported by MTV:
"Eighteen-year-old Shanice Williams has landed the role of Dorothy, the storied traveler who journeys to Emerald City. A New Jersey native, Williams has five years of musical theater experience, include local productions of 42nd Street, Pippin, and West Side Story. The burgeoning young talent appeared on the "Today" show on Wednesday morning (Aug. 5), shedding a few tears as she gushed, 'This is always what I've wanted to do. So I guess I'm ready! I'm ready now.'"
The production should round out to be a stellar production, putting a unique and untouched talent on the stage and more than likely, propelling her into stardom.
Watch the video of her receiving the news below to see pure joy.
