NBC is doing things a little bit differently as it casts the role of Dorothy for The Wiz Live! When the network announced the live show, many people had their own ideas as to who should capture the coveted role.
In a poll done by The Root, 740 people cast their votes, and the results were interesting:
* Janelle Monáe, 45.1 percent
* Zendaya, 8 percent
* Keke Palmer, 23.1 percent
* Solange Knowles, 9.2 percent
* Willow Smith, 4.1 percent
* Brandy, 10.5 percent
Unfortunately, it’s a great possibility that none of those young women will get to ease on down the road. NBC has decided to hold an open casting call for the role, and auditions will take place June 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Telsey + Co. in New York. Sign-in is at 9 a.m.
“Casting directors will be looking for a young African-American woman between 18-27 years old. She must have an extraordinary voice that can tell a story, as well as be mature with a youthful energy. Candidates need to be prepared to sing the songs ‘Home,’ ‘Ease on Down the Road’ and ‘Be a Lion’ from the original Broadway production of The Wiz,” the casting call announcement from NBC noted.
So far only one role has been cast, and it went to the original Stephanie Mills, who played Dorothy in the original Broadway production. Mills will now step into the role of Auntie Em.
The Wiz Live! is set to air Dec. 3, 2015.