NBC has picked its next live musical. While the network had originally set its sights on The Music Man, NBC has instead chosen The Wiz!
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. Tony winner and Broadway icon Harvey Fierstein will contribute new material to the original book by William F. Brown and work alongside Zadan, Meron and Leon.
Cirque du Soleil is also involved. The Wiz plus Cirque du Soleil PLUS HARVEY FIERSTEIN? If Diana Ross, the only living main cast member left from the movie, makes an appearance as well, this could be perfect. Well, a different kind of perfect than Peter Pan Live.
This live television event will lead into The Wiz‘s Broadway run.
“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.”
Source: THR
