Elijah Kelley News

Thanks to Tony-winner Kenny Leon and a delightfully entertaining cast of characters, 'Home' is most certainly where the heart is this holiday season. Coming into this year's NBC live musical, theatre lovers nationwide were appropriately apprehensive, given the spotty results from THE SOUND OF MUSIC and PETER PAN. However, in THE WIZ LIVE!, we were finally given a production worthy of the show's beloved Broadway legacy. Executive Producers Neil Meron and Craig Zadan still haven't solved the riddle of recreating a stage show's scope and grandeur on screen without an audience, but with a once-in-a-lifetime star, and one of the most acclaimed casts in recent memory, for the first time since this annual experiment began in 2013, there's truly a reason to rejoice!

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'The Wiz Live!' has arrived, as have the casts of three tours to the Loop. 'Bridges' is in Iowa, though. The Marriott takes on 'Spring Awakening,' and the Piccolo Theatre, Congo Square and Theo Ubique do December in their own ways. The Second City opens another revue, and in Milwaukee, 'My Fair Lady!'

In anticipation of this star-studded event, throughout the week, we are looking at the impressive musical careers (and when possible, musical theatre careers) of THE WIZ LIVE! stars. Today, we are easing on down the road with the group at the center of the story, the four characters affectionately referred to as 'The Friends;' Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. This group has a two-time Tony nominee and comedy legend, a rising Hollywood star, a three-time Grammy winning R&B icon, and a virtual unknown in the role of a lifetime.

Can YOU feel a brand new day? We're gearing up to ease on down the road with powerhouse newcomer Shanice Williams and the rest of the gang from Oz, when THE WIZ LIVE! premieres Thursday, December 3, at 8pm on NBC.  Of course, as was the case in 2013's THE SOUND OF MUSIC LIVE! and last year's PETER PAN LIVE!, the cast is certainly not short on big-name talent — and most come with Broadway or theatrical credits, no less. As if you didn't already know, be sure to look out for Queen Latifah (of 2002's CHICAGO and 2007's HAIRSPRAY), Elijah Kelley (also of 2007's HAIRSPRAY), Uzo Aduba (of CORAM BOY and 2011's GODSPELL), and David Alan Grier (2012's PORGY AND BESS). 

NBCUniversal today announced that Reddi-wip will partner with NBC's live television production of the hit Broadway musical "The Wiz Live," set for December 3rd (8:00PM EST). The partnership is an extension of Reddi-wip's "Share the Joy" program aiming to help people experience more joy every day, and, in this case, the joy of music. The campaign also will feature contextually relevant branded content that reflects that mission, and is also an example of how NBC uses its unique storytelling capabilities to impact communities through the power of entertainment.

Shanice Williams, Ne-Yo, David Alan Grier and Elijah Kelley stopped by WENDY WILLIAMS to dish about their special event airing live this Thursday on NBC.

Good morning, BroadwayWorld! Because we know all our readers eat, sleep and breathe Broadway, what could be better than waking up to it? Today's big news: Stacey Luftig and Phillip Palmer are honored with 2015 Fred Ebb Awards tonight; and be sure to set your DVR! Kristen Bell hosts ABC's IT'S YOUR 50TH CHRISTMAS, CHARLIE BROWN this evening.

Hottest Articles on BroadwayWorld.com from this weekend Sunday, November 29, 2015 - Sunday, November 29, 2015.

Hot Video! Miss the Wednesday night airing of NBC's The Making of THE WIZ LIVE!? We've got you covered with the full video that goes behind the scenes, showing off all of the excitement and hard work going into the December 3rd broadcast that we're all counting down to. 

Sony Music Masterworks and Broadway Records will release the original soundtrack of the NBC Television event THE WIZ LIVE! next month, but you won't have to wait until then to hear Shanice Williams sing the iconic solo 'Home'. Stream it on Spotify now!

America's favorite holiday tradition will once again kick off the season of joy as the 89th Annual MACY'STHANKSGIVING DAY PARADE returns to march down the streets of New York on Thursday, November 26. Many Broadway casts are taking part in the festivities (including The Wiz Live, Something Rotten and more) and you can check out photos from their rehearsals below!

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Plaid Tidings,' the Q Brothers and 'Die Hard' bring us holiday shows, and shows come and go at Lyric Opera and the Royal George. 'The Wiz' comes to TV and to a Bailiwick benefit, and 'The Lion King' and 'Pinocchio' promise family-friendly fare. And buy 'Season Of Carols 3!'

NBC's highly anticipated production of 'The Wiz LIVE!' will broadcast December 3, but you don't have to wait that long to feed your excitement.  NBC is celebrating family togetherness surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday by launching a Home-inspired meme. To take part, just follow the instructions below!

Sony Music Masterworks and Broadway Records will release the original soundtrack of the NBC Television event 'The Wiz LIVE!' Available now for preorder at Amazo

The big day is her! THE WIZ LIVE! airs tonight, December 3, at 8PM/7c. The production will star newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy alongside Grammy and Golden Globe-winner Queen Latifah as the Wizard, nine-time Grammy-winner Mary J. Blige as Evillene, original Dorothy, Stephanie Mills, as Auntie Em and David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion.

Kelley first exploded on the big screen in the musical 'Hairspray' in 2007, earning a Critics Choice Award for Best Ensemble in a Motion Picture, as well as a SAG Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. He starred in the George Lucas-produced film 'Red Tails' about the famed Tuskegee Airmen, opposite an all-star cast, including Terrence Howard and Cuba Gooding Jr., and was also in 'The Boys of Abu Ghraib,' a highly acclaimed independent film starring Sean Astin.

Below, check out an all-new promo featuring the joyous number 'A Brand New Day'

The yellow brick road will keep on leading fans to the magic of Oz after NBC airs its live production of THE WIZ on December 3. BroadwayWorld has learned that Broadway Records and Masterworks will be releasing THE WIZ LIVE! Original Soundtrack of the NBC Television Event on December 11 (digital) and Decmebr 18 (physical). You can pre-order the album now!