Shanice Williams might be the happiest teenager alive right now. Hailing from New Jersey, the 18-year-old was cast as Dorothy in NBC’s live production of The Wiz. The exciting news was shared on the Today show on August 5. With the announcement came a touching video of Williams learning about her coveted new role. Williams will share the televised stage with Queen Latifah (as Auntie Em), Mary J. Blige (as the Wicked Witch of the West), and David Alan Grier (as the Cowardly Lion). The show, an adaptation of the all-black version of The Wizard of Oz, will also include Stephanie Mills, who starred as Dorothy in the original Broadway cast in 1975 and the revival in 1984. Diana Ross eased on down the road as Dorothy in the 1978 film (when Michael Jackson played the Scarecrow). Much like her predecessors, Williams sings with so much soul that you'll want to put “Home” on repeat until the live musical airs on December 3. Grab a box of tissues before watching the below clip because Williams’ priceless reaction to the exciting news will undoubtedly make your eyes sweat.
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