Newcomer Nichelle Lewis has been cast in the leading role of Dorothy in the upcoming revival of The Wiz, which will make its Broadway return in Spring 2024.
Lewis joins an illustrious line of stars who have played the role, which includes Stephanie Mills, who originated the part in the 1975 Broadway production. Superstar Diana Ross starred as Dorothy in the 1978 film and Shanice Williams played the role in NBC's The Wiz Live! in 2015.
Hailing from Virginia, Lewis was discovered via a TikTok video and selected from more than 2,000 submissions for the coveted role. "I am so excited to be a part of this show, taking on Dorothy...I just can't believe it," she tells EBONY exclusively. "I feel I will bring some of my life experiences to the role."
The revival features an all-star cast with Wayne Brady leading the production in the title of The Wiz. Singers Deborah Cox and Melody A. Betts are set to star as Good Witch Glinda and Eviliene, respectively.
Kandi Burruss of The Real Housewives of Atlanta and her husband Todd Tucker have joined on as co-producers of the musical.
The Wiz, a reimagined version of The Wizard of Oz featuring an all-Black cast, launches its National Tour this fall with Alan Mingo Jr. in the role of The Wiz. Kicking off in Baltimore this September, The Wiz will travel to Cleveland; Washington, D.C.; Pittsburgh; Atlanta; Chicago; Charlotte, North Carolina; Greenville, South Carolina; Des Moines, Iowa; Tempe, Arizona; and San Diego before its Broadway debut next year.
