Queen Latifah and Mary J. Blige Join Original Wiz Star Stephanie Mills in NBC 'The Wiz" Remake and Partners with Cirque du Soleil; Broadway Production In the Works

In a move that upped the ante NBC released information today that they are re upping the cult hit movie The Wiz, partnering with Cirque du Soleil and adding a key actor with ties to the brand as well.

The original which starred Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Ted Ross, Nipsy Russell and Richard Pryson, was adapted from the original production of The Wizard of Oz. News just hit that not only will the new production officially hit the airwaves December 3, 2015 but they've added musical legend Stephanie Mills to the cast in the role of Aunt Em

Avid fans of The Wiz should recognize Stephanie as the first Dorothy in the Broadway production as well. But wait, there is more news:

It's being reported that Queen Latifah and Mary J. Blige have been added to the production in key roles. Latifah is poised to play the famed Wiz last played on the big screen by the late Richard Pryor and Blige is locked in to play the Wicked Witch of the West formerly played by the late Mable King.

Via NBC:


The Wiz will be its next live musical performance — with Cirque du Soleil boarding the project with plans to bring the show to Broadway in 2016.

NBC's The Wiz, set for Thursday, Dec. 3,will again be executive produced by Sound of Music and Peter Pan duo Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, with Tony-winning director Kenny Leon attached to direct both the live event as well as the Broadway revival in 2016-17. 

“We love this yearly tradition and we’re more excited than ever to not only bring another Broadway musical to America’s living rooms, but also see it land on Broadway as well,” NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt said. “It’s a natural next step for our live musical events and we’re so pleased to be in business with this award-winning creative team and Scott Zeiger, president and managing director of Cirque du Soleil’s new theatrical division. Cirque’s incredible imagination will help bring the fantasy world of Oz vividly to life and give this great show a modern spin on the age-old story we all love."

Check back for more info!!!