La La Land Mommy: The Wiz Live Review
I have so many memories of watching The Wiz as a child. The only version I have ever seen besides the original Wizard of Oz was the version with Diana Ross, Nipsey Russell, Michael Jackson, and Ted Ross. I have fond moments of watching it over and over again. I remember rewinding the tape to dance to my favorite songs. The movie is like two and a half hours long but to get through it actually took maybe four. To this day I can still quote almost every line in this film. I created new memories through watching it with my kids. I remember showing it to them for the first time and telling them about my favorite songs. After they watched it for the first time it became one of their favorite movies as well. Sometimes we break into singing “You Can’t Win” at exactly the same time without even thinking about it.
Last night I was one of millions of people who sat down in front of my television to watch The Wiz Live. I had been anticipating this night for months now. They were remaking The Wiz. I had a feeling that I wouldn’t be disappointed. The cast line up was just awesome. The scarecrow was played by Elijah Kelley, Queen Latifah played The Wiz, Ne-yo was the Tin-man, David Alan Grier played The Cowardly Lion, Amber Riley played Addapearle, Mary J. Blige played Evilene, Stephanie Mills played Aunt Em, Uzo Aduba played Glinda the good witch, and a new actress Shanice Williams play Dorothy. Stephanie Mills actually played Dorothy in the stage version of The Wiz back in 1975.
I just thought this was a great cast. I loved the fact that they went with someone that wasn’t well known to play Dorothy. I was a bit skeptical as I always am when there are remakes of some of my favorite classics. When I sat down to watch it I went in with no expectations. I tried my best to not compare it to the previous version. I knew that the actors would do what they knew. I am sure they were already feeling the pressures of giving the best performance of their lives and paying homage to the people who played the roles before them. So I just looked at them as them. I must say that they did a fabulous job. I think everyone did great in their roles. I believe they picked the perfect person for each role. David Alan Grier was the perfect Cowardly Lion, Ne-yo was the perfect Tin-man, Elijah Kelley was the perfect scarecrow, and Shanice Williams was the perfect Dorothy. I loved Shanice Williams voice. I thought that the show was all around great. I love the way that they made it their own by adding new music and changing small things in the play. Like Dorothy was a little more spunkier. I loved the costumes. Everyone looked great. It was just an all around good play. Did you watch The Wiz Live last night? Did you like it? Have you seen the original movie/play? Do you have a favorite?
