‘The Wiz Live!’ Cast Gets Edgy Modern Makeover in First Look

NBC is offering its first sneak peek at The Wiz Live!

The crooner shared the first look at his character’s get-up via Instagram while promos for the upcoming televised event are also increasing anticipation for the remake of the 1974 play, The Wiz.

“He’s a fashion-forward scarecrow”, says Tazewell.

From Shanice Williams’ adorable Dorothy and David Alan Grier’s confident Cowardly Lion to Ne-Yo’s suave Tin Man and Elijah Kelley’s rather creepy Scarecrow, they sure do look like they’re having a blast!

Dorothy (newcomer Shanice Williams) is in a pleated schoolgirl skirt.

While big names such as Queen Latifah (The Wiz), Uzo Aduba (Glinda the Good Witch) and Mary J. Blige (Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West) signed on for a few of the iconic roles, producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron wanted to cast an unknown as Dorothy.

The Wiz tells the familiar story of The Wizard of Oz in an African-American/multicultural context. Sadly, many younger viewers only know the show from the film version ( which featured Michael Jackson and Diana Ross), unaware that it was originally a successful Broadway show and victor of seven Tony Awards.

Ne-Yo shared the picture Tuesday on Facebook, writing, “So excited to play the TIN MAN. Can’t wait for you to see The Wiz on December 3!”