There’s no place like her new home for 18-year-old Shanice Williams: NBC’s “The Wiz Live!” has found its Dorothy in the New Jersey native.
Williams, who was selected out of hundreds of applicants nationwide, will join Cowardly Lion David Alan Grier, Wicked Witch of the West Mary J. Blige, and Queen Latifah, who plays the titular Wiz.
Stephanie Mills — who was Dorothy in the original Broadway production of the African-American adaptation — is taking on the role of Auntie Em for the broadcast TV version.
Williams has co-starred in several local Garden State productions, including “West Side Story,” “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” “42nd Street,” “Seussical” and “Pippin.” Last year, she was nominated for best leading actress in a musical at the Paper Mill Playhouse’s annual Rising Star Awards.
