Somewhere over the rainbow, two pop diva’s dreams have come true! NBC has announced the names of two new actresses who will be joining the team for a live production of “The Wiz Live” this December, and things are getting magical! Uzo Aduba of Orange is the New Black fame is set to take on the role of Glinda, The Good Witch. Amber Riley of Glee will be joining Aduba onstage playing her sister Addaperle, The Good Witch of the North!
While Amber Riley has proved her musical chops on NBC in the past, Aduba also has a history in musical theater. The actress happens to be a classically trained opera singer and has graced several Broadway productions in the past. Talk about a multi-talented duo!
Courtesy of bet.com
Both artists have voiced their excitement about the project on social media since their involvement was officially announced. Aduba stated that she was “beyond grateful and excited” to join the team of The Wiz Live, while Riley tweeted out a screenshot of the announcement. “I could seriously burst right now! You guys made noise and made NBC take notice,” she thanked her fans for their support.
Uzo Aduba and Amber Riley will be joining previously casted talents including Queen Latifah (The Wiz) and Mary J. Blige (The Wicked Witch of the West). Rising talent Shanice Williams is set to don Dorothy’s iconic red shoes, and she will be joined on the Yellow Brick Road by David Alan Grier (The Cowardly Lion). No news on who will be filling Michael Jackson’s iconic shoes while playing The Scarecrow, but the cast will be supported by Cirque du Soleil. Looks like we’ll be treated to some gymnastic feats during this new rendition of The Wiz Live!
Previous rumors have linked “Crazy In Love” pop princess Beyonce to the cast of “The Wiz Live” as Glinda; however, it looks like that role has been filled! Maybe next time, Bey!
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