NBC's "The Wiz Live!" has found its Dorothy! New Jersey native Shanice Williams landed the coveted lead role in the upcoming live telecast of the musical and made an appearance on NBC's "Today" to announce the good news.
"I think it's really hitting me right now," said Williams as she hugged "Today" co-host Carson Daly and wiped away tears.
The network conducted a nationwide, open casting call to find the perfect young lady to cast as Dorothy, according to Billboard. NBC specifically searched for an African-American woman between the ages of 18 and 27 with an "extraordinary voice" and a mature but youthful energy.
Williams, 18, fit that description perfectly. Her sweet demeanor and adorable, wide smile shined on the set of "Today" when she talked about the moment she told her mother that she got the part, which will be her first-ever TV credit.
"I was just so happy because I know she's been rooting for me since forever, so I was so thankful I could give her that news," said Williams.
The new starlet auditioned with the songs "Home," "Ease on Down the Road" and "Be a Lion," reported Billboard.
Williams has five years of musical training, and starred in local productions of "West Side Story," "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" and "Pippin."
She's the latest addition to the already star-studded cast, as it was announced that David Alan Grier will be playing the part of the Cowardly Lion; Queen Latifah was cast in the role of the Wiz; and Mary J. Blige will play Wicked Witch of the West Evillene, as previously reported by HNGN.
The live production, based on "The Wiz," is set to air in December on NBC.
Watch a clip from Williams' audition tape below.
