A wonderful phenomenon has been occurring in television in the last few years: live broadcasts of musicals. Live broadcasts allow people all over the world to see theatre with just the touch of a remote. Many Americans do not realize all that can go into a live theatrical production and how such productions differ from the television shows and movies we see every day. Thanks to recent broadcasts such as "The Sound of Music Live!" countless people with access to a television have the ability to see live theatre from the comfort of their homes.
On December 3, 2015, "The Wiz" will hit the small screen with a bang heard all over the country. NBC continues their new tradition of live telecasts of full-production musicals in early December. Starting with "The Sound of Music Live!" in 2013 and "Peter Pan Live!" in 2014, such broadcasts will hopefully become the norm and expand to other networks as the years go on. On top of "The Wiz," Fox is following the trend and producing "Grease Live!" on January 31, 2016. The musical theatre world has been abuzz the past few weeks with continual news on casting for the exciting and unique take on Dorothy's journeys through Oz, "The Wiz."
"The Wiz" tells the story of "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" with a pop-rock, modern twist. It was produced on Broadway in 1975 and won seven Tony Awards. The musical has been revived many times in different venues around the world, and Universal released a film version in 1978. The 2015 live telecast will be followed by another Broadway revival in the 2016-2017 season.
Recently, producers held an open casting call in New York City to find their perfect Dorothy. Hopeful young actors from all over the world auditioned for the role, but NBC has not announced their leading lady yet. However, a star-studded cast has already begun to form as NBC releases more casting announcements. Queen Latifah will play the titular character of the Wiz, the all-powerful wizard who holds the keys to the great Emerald City. Also, Mary J. Blige takes on the role of Evillene, the wicked witch of the west. The role of Aunt Em will be played by the original Dorothy from the 1975 Broadway production, Stephanie Mills. Between these three women alone, the cast already has 11 Grammy Awards. Rumors have been floating around that Beyonce may join the cast as Glinda, but nothing has been confirmed as of now. See rare video footage below of a seven-year-old Beyonce channeling her inner Dorothy.
Many people in the musical theatre world have strong opposition to the trend of live telecasts of Broadway musicals. The shows are often filled with celebrities who do not necessarily all have the proper training and skills to make it through an entirely live theatre production. The internet exploded with hate when Carrie Underwood played Maria in "The Sound of Music Live!" While I do agree with many of the comments made against her acting and vocal placement for the role, casting is not the entire purpose of live telecasts. The most important part of musical theatre telecasts is the simple act of bringing live theatre to the masses. Many people do not have the opportunity to see a Broadway, touring, or even local musical production. Pop culture pervades our world and most of the human population's time and money. Live theatre could easily become a dying art form within the century. Despite some issues with live telecasts, they bring the beautiful art of musical theatre to the homes of many.
