Posted by | Ray Cornelius
Emmy Award winner Uzo Aduba and Screen Actors Guild Award winner “Glee” star Amber Riley have joined the all-star cast of NBC’s hotly anticipated holiday production of “The Wiz Live!,” set for Thursday, Dec 3.
“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. “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.”
Aduba, who once again is nominated for an Emmy this year, is best known for her role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren on the Netflix series “Orange Is the New Black.” She 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.
Before starring on television, Aduba made her Broadway debut in “Coram Boy” in 2007 followed by the hit musical revival of “Godspell” in 2011. She discovered her talent for singing at a very early age and became a classical music major at the Boston University School of Fine Arts. Last year Aduba won the Emmy for guest actress in a comedy series as well as two SAG Awards — outstanding performance by a female actor in a comedy series and outstanding performance by an ensemble in a comedy series. She was also nominated for a Golden Globe in 2014.
Riley will play ‘Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North’ who isn’t the best at magic but she does try. She is a sister of ‘Glinda,’ ‘Evillene’ and ‘Evvamene,’ the other three witches of Oz. She points Dorothy to the Yellow Brick Road and her journey to Emerald City.
The ladies join Queen Latifah as ‘The Wiz,’ Mary J. Blige as ‘Evilene The Wicked Witch of the West,’ David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion and newcomer, Shanice Williams as Dorothy.
Check out the late Lena Horne singing “Believe in Yourself”
height=350“The Wiz Live” airs on NBC December 3rd.
Photo Credit: NewNowNext.com