OITNB’s Uzo Aduba, Glee’s Amber Riley Join NBC’s ‘The Wiz Live!’

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Uzo Aduba & Amber Riley Cast in NBC's 'The Wiz Live!'

Uzo Aduba & Amber Riley Cast in NBC’s ‘The Wiz Live!’

Orange Is the New Black ‘s Uzo Aduba and Glee ‘s Amber Riley have been cast in NBC’s highly anticipated live production of The Wiz .

Uzo will play Glinda, the Good Witch of the South who finally reveals the secret of the silver slippers to Dorothy and points her way home.

Amber will take on Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North whose magic isn’t the best but she points Dorothy to the Yellow Brick Road and her journey to Emerald City.

“We are so happy to welcome two actors we’ve admired and wanted so much to work with,” said executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (NBC’s Peter Pan Live! and The Sound of Music Live! ). “We look forward to showcasing the amazing musical talents of Amber and we are eager to introduce Uzo’s remarkable singing voice for those who know her solely as an extraordinary dramatic actress.”

Uzo and Amber join Queen Latifah who will portray the Wiz, Mary J. Blige who will play Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West and David Alan Grier in the role the Cowardly Lion.

Stephanie Mills , who starred as Dorothy in the original Broadway production of The Wiz , will play Aunt Em, while newcomer Shanice Williams has landed the role of Dorothy .

Tony-winner Kenny Leon will serve as stage director with Matthew Diamond as TV director.

Harvey Fierstein will contribute new written material to the original book by William F. Brown .

The Wiz Live! is set to air on Thursday, December 3, 2015 on NBC.

[via hollywoodreporter.com ]

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