THE WIZ LIVE! — Season: 2015 — Pictured: Shanice Williams as Dorothy — (Photo by: Paul Gilmore/NBC)
Break out star Shanice Williams showed the world exactly why she landed the lead role in NBC’s remake of The Wiz, which aired live on December 3. We were just as excited to see a curly girl playing the lead role of Dorothy as we were to see the live show period. The 18-year-old New Jersey native landed the coveted role in a national open-casting call. How cool is that? The natural-haired actress will star alongside Queen Latifah, who will play The Wizard, Mary J. Blige (Wicket Witch) and David Alan Grier (Cowardly Lion). Stephanie Mills, who originated the Dorothy role in the 1970s Broadway play, will play Auntie Em.
THE WIZ LIVE! — Season: 2015 — Pictured: Shanice Williams as Dorothy — (Photo by: Paul Gilmore/NBC)
Regardless of what people thought of how this remake stood up to the original, one thing is for sure – Shanice definitely showed up and showed out alongside industry veterans. The fact that she’s a natural-haired beauty is just icing on the cake. We think about all of the little girls, and grown women quite frankly, who now have a new starlet to look up to that shows the diversity of Black beauty. It’s all about options – knowing that there is not just one type of look that defines black beauty. Whether your hair is straight or curly, you’re dark-skinned or light-skinned, you too can be on the big screen if you have the talent and passion to do so.
What’s cool is that when you look back at The Wiz movie where Diana Ross played the role of Dorothy back in 1984, she too wore her natural hair. While we and all of Black Twitter seemed to really miss Toto, we are glad this aspect of the tv version stayed the same.
Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC
Shanice wasn’t the only person wearing natural hair styles in The Wiz Live. Mary J. Blige, who starred as wicked witch Evillene also sported some braids under her headdress. Mary did an amazing job during her performance; she made us proud.
Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC
Not to be outdone, Uzo also wore a braided undo style in her role as Glinda. And her performance was stellar – we had no idea the voice she had but she put the world on notice. Did you tune into The Wiz Live? What did you think of the remake? If you missed it you can catch it now on the NBC website. We’d love to hear from you!
Hi, I’m Jonna. Welcome to naturally-glam.com where I share how I balance my life as a mother, wife, and influencer.
It was definitely an amazing moment for natural hair in addition to everything else. I think I had heard Uzo sing on a late night show. She’s a classically trained opera singer. Black girls can do EVERYTHING!! 🙂
Such a great show!!! I loved seeing all the beautiful women and their natural hair.
I couldn’t get into the show but I loved all of the beautiful cast. I have never heard of Shanice so I look forward to seeing her in more roles
It was amazing to see the Wiz live. Shanice is new to me but I imagine we will see more of her thanks for sharing.
Unfortunately I missed the remake of the Wiz but I am hoping to catch it soon, I have seen so many people talking about it. I love Shanice’s hair 😀
I really enjoyed the show. I gave the side eye initially because I didn’t know who Shanice was, but she definitely showed up and showed out! Neyo surprised me as well.
I really
I knew Uzo has a voice. I heard her sing on some talk show. Shanice did a great job. And I especially was excited for Elijah as the scarecrow.
Shanice slayed the stage and made us all so proud! Just an absolute gem of a talent!
Yes, I’m so here for all of the natural hair!!! I didn’t get to see the Wiz, but I got my sister to DVR it for me (I’ll be traveling when they replay it). I can’t wait to see it, I’ve heard nothing but great things about it!
I really liked the Wiz and I loved that Shanice had natural curls. The production was great!
I think she did a great job, honestly I don’t recall much about the original Wiz. The family and I totally enjoyed watching this one. Shoot I wish I was this accomplished at 18. She is well on her way to doing greater things.
I didn’t see it live but watched the first half with the kiddos the other day. All I can say is WOW! And oh my goodness, didn’t realize she was only 18!!! Simply outstanding.