NBC gets 11 million viewers for live production of ‘The Wiz’

In any case, to quote Anna from the Disney classic Frozen, NBC finally delivered a live musical worth watching “for the first time in forever”.

Singer Ne-Yo is seen at left as Tin-Man, Shanice Williams as Dorothy and Elijah Kelley as Scarecrow. It was well-cast. The costumes were handsome, and the set design vibrant.

Talk about a tough audience: Thursday, Dec. 3rd NBC television’s live production of The Wiz couldn’t have fallen on more cynical eyes; mine.

Maybe the honest production of “The Wiz Live!” will inspire young theater lovers, but it didn’t soar. Reviewers raved about Ms. Williams’ turn as Dorothy and about the singing talent and acting of numerous performers, including actress Amber Riley as Addapearle, the Good Witch of the North, and actress Stephanie Mills, who originally played Dorothy in the show on Broadway and took on the role of Auntie Em for this production.

There was plenty of love for the Thursday airing on NBC. “I think what they learned between “Sound of Music” and “Peter Pan” is they have to be very careful with the title they select”. “CBS” Thursday Night Football coverage won the night – and topped “The Wiz” in five of the six primetime half-hours (the exception being the first, in which the pre-game coverage trailed the opening half-hour of NBC’s musical). You could say the same for live musical events.

The Wiz also received favorable reviews from critics and viewers, with many praising not only the diversity of the star-studded cast, which included names like Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah, but also its production value.

“The Wiz Live!” is adapted from “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum, with a book by William F. Brown, and music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls.

It’s based on the 1975 Tony victor and was far better than last year’s “Peter Pan Live!” when people were ridiculing it live.

Esteemed choreographer Fatima Robinson (“Dreamgirls”, “Ali”) is also on board, along with music producer Harvey Mason Jr. With the help of the Cirque du Soleil team, an element of fantastical circus-y flair was brought to life. Ted Ross on Broadway and in the movie an belt, can wail, can sing, and the Lion’s role needs that; well guess what, not only did Grier sail effortlessly with the vocals, but he can hold a camera’s attention like no other.