Amanda Seales is opening up about where things stand with Issa Rae.
The 42-year-old Insecure alum, who co-starred with the 39-year-old star, addressed the rumored feud between the two while appearing on the Club Shay Shay podcast.
“I’ve never talked about this publicly because it has always been incredibly important to me to protect Issa. Because I know that Issa is doing something within this business that so few people get to do,” she began.
“I’m not interested in getting a $100 million production deal. That’s not a life that I want for myself. But I know that her role is very important.”
Keep reading to find out more…
Amanda went on to say friction between her and Issa began when Issa’s publicist Vanessa Anderson allegedly showed animosity toward her during a “Black Emmys party” in 2018. When Amanda allegedly told Issa that her publicist had a “problem” with her,...
The 42-year-old Insecure alum, who co-starred with the 39-year-old star, addressed the rumored feud between the two while appearing on the Club Shay Shay podcast.
“I’ve never talked about this publicly because it has always been incredibly important to me to protect Issa. Because I know that Issa is doing something within this business that so few people get to do,” she began.
“I’m not interested in getting a $100 million production deal. That’s not a life that I want for myself. But I know that her role is very important.”
Keep reading to find out more…
Amanda went on to say friction between her and Issa began when Issa’s publicist Vanessa Anderson allegedly showed animosity toward her during a “Black Emmys party” in 2018. When Amanda allegedly told Issa that her publicist had a “problem” with her,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
20th Television is singing “Who Can I Turn To” now that Hulu is no longer moving forward with its planned limited series about Sammy Davis Jr. Deadline reported Hulu’s decision on Friday, adding that 20th Television is launching an “aggressive effort” to find the series a new home, with plans to “attach additional high-level talent” to lure prospective buyers. The news comes a year and a half after Hulu ordered the series, which comes from co-creators and former Empire colleagues Lee Daniels and Thomas Westfall. The series is based on the Wil Haygood biography In Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis Jr.and stars Elijah Kelley (pictured at left below) as the famed singer. Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic/Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images “Sammy Davis Jr. rose from childhood stardom on the vaudeville stage to become one of the most famous African American entertainers of the...
- 12/2/2023
- TV Insider
Exclusive: Hulu is not proceeding with its planned limited series about Sammy Davis Jr., starring Elijah Kelley as the Candy Man, from Lee Daniels and 20th Television.
I hear 20th Television will be shopping the project to other buyers and plans to attach additional high-level talent before taking it out as part of an aggressive effort to find a new home.
The studio recently was able to set another streaming series, The Spiderwick Chronicles (co-production with lead studio Paramount TV Studios), at Roku, following Disney+’s decision not to move forward with it.
The pickup reversals for both shows come amid a content spend cut across all divisions of Hulu and Disney+ parent Disney, which the company announced earlier this year. Additionally, all media companies have been reevaluating their streaming strategies by cutting programming costs with a renewed focus on profitability.
Hulu ordered the long-gestating Sammy Davis Jr. limited series in April 2022. In February,...
I hear 20th Television will be shopping the project to other buyers and plans to attach additional high-level talent before taking it out as part of an aggressive effort to find a new home.
The studio recently was able to set another streaming series, The Spiderwick Chronicles (co-production with lead studio Paramount TV Studios), at Roku, following Disney+’s decision not to move forward with it.
The pickup reversals for both shows come amid a content spend cut across all divisions of Hulu and Disney+ parent Disney, which the company announced earlier this year. Additionally, all media companies have been reevaluating their streaming strategies by cutting programming costs with a renewed focus on profitability.
Hulu ordered the long-gestating Sammy Davis Jr. limited series in April 2022. In February,...
- 12/2/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Editor’s Note: This episode of Scene 2 Seen was taped before the July 14th start of the SAG-AFTRA strike.
Hello and welcome to the Scene 2 Seen podcast! I am Valerie Complex, and today we’re talking to director Chris Robinson about his latest directorial film, Shooting Stars.
An award-winning director and producer, Chris Robinson is known for his critically acclaimed body of work that defies genre and is constantly expanding. He and his production company, Robot Film Company, are known for their acclaimed storytelling centered around black voices and changing perspectives.
Robinson’s latest feature, Shooting Stars, the upcoming Peacock Original based on the book by LeBron James and the Pulitzer Prize winning author Buzz Bissinger, premiered on Friday, June 2. Shooting Stars is the inspiring origin story of a basketball superhero, revealing how LeBron James and his childhood friends become the #1 high school team in the country, launching James...
Hello and welcome to the Scene 2 Seen podcast! I am Valerie Complex, and today we’re talking to director Chris Robinson about his latest directorial film, Shooting Stars.
An award-winning director and producer, Chris Robinson is known for his critically acclaimed body of work that defies genre and is constantly expanding. He and his production company, Robot Film Company, are known for their acclaimed storytelling centered around black voices and changing perspectives.
Robinson’s latest feature, Shooting Stars, the upcoming Peacock Original based on the book by LeBron James and the Pulitzer Prize winning author Buzz Bissinger, premiered on Friday, June 2. Shooting Stars is the inspiring origin story of a basketball superhero, revealing how LeBron James and his childhood friends become the #1 high school team in the country, launching James...
- 8/7/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Kimberly Harrison (The Crossover) has been tapped as showrunner for Hulu’s limited series about Sammy Davis Jr. from Lee Daniels and 20th Television, which stars Elijah Kelley as the Candy Man.
Written by Daniels and Thomas Westfall based on Will Haygood’s biography, In Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis Jr., and inspired by Alex Haley’s interview of Davis, the yet untitled eight-episode series explores the entertainer’s life through the lens of his racial identity and his complex relationship with the Black community.
Related: 2023 Hulu Pilots & Series Orders
It centers on Davis (Kelley), who rose from childhood stardom on the vaudeville stage to become one of the most famous African American entertainers of the 1950s and ’60s (and the only Black member of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack). At the same time, he spent most of his career surrounded by controversy and ridicule – over...
Written by Daniels and Thomas Westfall based on Will Haygood’s biography, In Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis Jr., and inspired by Alex Haley’s interview of Davis, the yet untitled eight-episode series explores the entertainer’s life through the lens of his racial identity and his complex relationship with the Black community.
Related: 2023 Hulu Pilots & Series Orders
It centers on Davis (Kelley), who rose from childhood stardom on the vaudeville stage to become one of the most famous African American entertainers of the 1950s and ’60s (and the only Black member of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack). At the same time, he spent most of his career surrounded by controversy and ridicule – over...
- 2/13/2023
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
After directing “The United States Vs. Billie Holiday,” Lee Daniels is returning to the world of period biopics with a new dramatic series focused on singer/actor Sammy Davis Jr., one of the most charismatic and accessible black entertainers of the last century.
Deadline reports Daniels has hired Elijah Kelley to play the legendary performer after previously working with together on the drama “The Butler.” The eight-episode series is based on the novel “In Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis, Jr.
Continue reading Lee Daniels To Direct Dramatic Sammy Davis Jr. Hulu Series Starring Elijah Kelley at The Playlist.
Deadline reports Daniels has hired Elijah Kelley to play the legendary performer after previously working with together on the drama “The Butler.” The eight-episode series is based on the novel “In Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis, Jr.
Continue reading Lee Daniels To Direct Dramatic Sammy Davis Jr. Hulu Series Starring Elijah Kelley at The Playlist.
- 4/15/2022
- by Christopher Marc
- The Playlist
Hulu has picked up Lee Daniels' passion project, a series about multi-talented performer Sammy Davis Jr., per Variety. The development deal may be new, but the concept isn't: Outlets first reported Daniels' interest in a biography of the artist back in 2013.
Actor Elijah Kelley, who previously worked with Daniels on "The Butler" in 2013, has been tapped as the as-yet-untitled series' lead. Kelley is also known for playing Ricky Bell in "The New Edition Story" and the Scarecrow in NBC's "The Wiz Live!" The actor will also produce the Davis project and contribute original music to the show.
Despite his tremendous contributions...
The post Hulu Orders Sammy Davis, Jr. Biographical Series from Director Lee Daniels appeared first on /Film.
Actor Elijah Kelley, who previously worked with Daniels on "The Butler" in 2013, has been tapped as the as-yet-untitled series' lead. Kelley is also known for playing Ricky Bell in "The New Edition Story" and the Scarecrow in NBC's "The Wiz Live!" The actor will also produce the Davis project and contribute original music to the show.
Despite his tremendous contributions...
The post Hulu Orders Sammy Davis, Jr. Biographical Series from Director Lee Daniels appeared first on /Film.
- 4/15/2022
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Hulu has given Lee Daniels’ Sammy Davis Jr. series a full season order with Elijah Kelley starring as the late music legend. The so far untitled limited series will consist of eight episodes and is based on Wil Haygood’s book In Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis Jr., per Deadline. Daniels will direct the first two episodes, and Kelley will help create the show’s original music. The series premiere date and other casting announcements will be made at a later time. “Sammy Davis, Jr. rose from childhood stardom on the vaudeville stage to become one of the most famous African American entertainers of the 1950s and ’60s (and the only Black member of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack),” the logline describes. “At the same time, he spent most of his career surrounded by controversy and ridicule — over his affairs with white film stars, his 1960 marriage to Swedish actress May Britt,...
- 4/14/2022
- TV Insider
Lee Daniels’ long-gestating Sammy Davis Jr. biographical series has been ordered at Hulu, with Elijah Kelley set to play the lead role.
The untitled series has received an eight-episode order at the streamer. Based on the book “In Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis Jr.,” the series is described as an exploration of Davis’ life through the lens of his racial identity and his complex relationship with the Black community.
Davis rose from childhood stardom on the vaudeville stage to become one of the most famous African American entertainers of the 1950s and ’60s and the only Black member of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack. At the same time, he spent most of his career surrounded by controversy and ridicule — over his affairs with white film stars, his 1960 marriage to Swedish actress May Britt, his conversion to Judaism, his closeness to the Kennedys and later Richard Nixon, and...
The untitled series has received an eight-episode order at the streamer. Based on the book “In Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis Jr.,” the series is described as an exploration of Davis’ life through the lens of his racial identity and his complex relationship with the Black community.
Davis rose from childhood stardom on the vaudeville stage to become one of the most famous African American entertainers of the 1950s and ’60s and the only Black member of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack. At the same time, he spent most of his career surrounded by controversy and ridicule — over his affairs with white film stars, his 1960 marriage to Swedish actress May Britt, his conversion to Judaism, his closeness to the Kennedys and later Richard Nixon, and...
- 4/14/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
The candy man is coming to Hulu. The streamer has ordered eight episodes of a limited series about Sammy Davis, Jr. from Lee Daniels and 20th Television. It’s based on the Wil Haygood book In Black and White: The Life of Sammy Davis, Jr.
Multi-hyphenate performer Elijah Kelley will portray the title role in the untitled series, having starred in NBC’s The Wiz Live! and New Line’s Hairspray. He previously collaborated with Daniels on Lee Daniels’ The Butler and Fox’s Star.
2022 Hulu Pilots & Series Orders
Here’s the official logline: Sammy Davis, Jr. rose from childhood stardom on the vaudeville stage to become one of the most famous African American entertainers of the 1950s and ’60s (and the only Black member of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack). At the same time, he spent most of his career surrounded by controversy and ridicule–over his affairs with white film stars,...
Multi-hyphenate performer Elijah Kelley will portray the title role in the untitled series, having starred in NBC’s The Wiz Live! and New Line’s Hairspray. He previously collaborated with Daniels on Lee Daniels’ The Butler and Fox’s Star.
2022 Hulu Pilots & Series Orders
Here’s the official logline: Sammy Davis, Jr. rose from childhood stardom on the vaudeville stage to become one of the most famous African American entertainers of the 1950s and ’60s (and the only Black member of Frank Sinatra’s Rat Pack). At the same time, he spent most of his career surrounded by controversy and ridicule–over his affairs with white film stars,...
- 4/14/2022
- by Lynette Rice
- Deadline Film + TV
Elijah Kelley (The New Edition Story) is set for a recurring role on Season 2 of Fox's hit music drama series Star. Kelley will play Andy, a Harvard graduate who has worked all his life to pursue his dreams in the music industry. He's knowledgeable and driven, but his charisma is what Ayanna Floyd (Michael Michele), the CEO of Midtown Sound, relies on to help her put her new label on the map. What she doesn't know is that Andy's impressive vocal talents may play a part in…...
- 9/27/2017
- Deadline TV
Every time you change the channel, it seems that another primetime network has revamped another classic for the small screen — and sometimes, to viewers’ displeasure.
After this week’s Dirty Dancing remake, which, well, wasn’t a fan favorite, we’re taking a look back at what the Internet has had to say about the rest of the primetime musical adaptations, from the low to high notes.
8. Dirty Dancing
The latest addition to the primetime lineup of musical remakes was a little different. ABC’s Dirty Dancing wasn’t technically a musical, and it wasn’t live, as many of the revamps have been.
After this week’s Dirty Dancing remake, which, well, wasn’t a fan favorite, we’re taking a look back at what the Internet has had to say about the rest of the primetime musical adaptations, from the low to high notes.
8. Dirty Dancing
The latest addition to the primetime lineup of musical remakes was a little different. ABC’s Dirty Dancing wasn’t technically a musical, and it wasn’t live, as many of the revamps have been.
- 5/26/2017
- by Diana Pearl
- PEOPLE.com
General Linkage
i09 Mad Mad Fury Road meets Pixar's Cars
Av Club ignoring that nobody on god's green earth could possibly want to relive the election fiasco of 2016, Megan Ellison and Mark Boal (Zero Dark Thirty) are developing a miniseries about it right now. Too soon.
Interview Mag there's going to be a biopic of Sammy Davis Jr. They have casting suggestions including Elijah Kelley as Sammy and Delroy Lindo as his father
Cinesnark has an ode to Keanu Reeves, calling him 'the last great movie star.' I personally think the demise of the movie star is a myth (that's been being told my entire lifetime... and yet my lifetime has had plenty of new movie stars in it) but I tend to like pieces like this anyway because worshipping movie stars is fun
The New Yorker looks at the silent film Different From Others, reportedly the first gay...
i09 Mad Mad Fury Road meets Pixar's Cars
Av Club ignoring that nobody on god's green earth could possibly want to relive the election fiasco of 2016, Megan Ellison and Mark Boal (Zero Dark Thirty) are developing a miniseries about it right now. Too soon.
Interview Mag there's going to be a biopic of Sammy Davis Jr. They have casting suggestions including Elijah Kelley as Sammy and Delroy Lindo as his father
Cinesnark has an ode to Keanu Reeves, calling him 'the last great movie star.' I personally think the demise of the movie star is a myth (that's been being told my entire lifetime... and yet my lifetime has had plenty of new movie stars in it) but I tend to like pieces like this anyway because worshipping movie stars is fun
The New Yorker looks at the silent film Different From Others, reportedly the first gay...
- 2/15/2017
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
[Editor’s Note: “Girl, I must warn you…” this review will make liberal use of New Edition, Bobby Brown, and Bell Biv Devoe song titles and lyrics. Why? That’s “My Prerogative.”]
It may seem like a stretch to compare Bet’s “The New Edition Story” to the critically acclaimed biopic “Straight Outta Compton.” After all, N.W.A.’s gangsta rap courted controversy while New Edition’s lyrics only got salty when they accused “Mr. Telephone Man” of a faulty connection. Nevertheless, just as N.W.A. shaped hip-hop, the miniseries gives rightful context to how influential New Edition was on its own. Styled as a New Edition of the Jackson 5, the group perfected the model for all the boy bands to come, including New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, ’N Sync, and the Backstreet Boys. They also successfully transitioned from the bubble gum style of their early songs to becoming pioneers of New Jack Swing.
Read More: Bet Awards 2016: The Full List of Winners
As with N.W.A., the drama of just being in New Edition is part of the story’s trainwreck/bootstrap appeal.
It may seem like a stretch to compare Bet’s “The New Edition Story” to the critically acclaimed biopic “Straight Outta Compton.” After all, N.W.A.’s gangsta rap courted controversy while New Edition’s lyrics only got salty when they accused “Mr. Telephone Man” of a faulty connection. Nevertheless, just as N.W.A. shaped hip-hop, the miniseries gives rightful context to how influential New Edition was on its own. Styled as a New Edition of the Jackson 5, the group perfected the model for all the boy bands to come, including New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, ’N Sync, and the Backstreet Boys. They also successfully transitioned from the bubble gum style of their early songs to becoming pioneers of New Jack Swing.
Read More: Bet Awards 2016: The Full List of Winners
As with N.W.A., the drama of just being in New Edition is part of the story’s trainwreck/bootstrap appeal.
- 1/24/2017
- by Hanh Nguyen
- Indiewire
Sometimes the very thing that brings a group of friends and colleagues together can also be the same element that ultimately tears their connection apart. That’s certainly the case with the R&B group, New Edition, whose natural talent in part propelled them to fame. The close, effortless bond between the members also helped fortify the […]
The post Interview: Elijah Kelley, Luke James and Keith Powers Talk The New Edition Story (Exclusive) appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Interview: Elijah Kelley, Luke James and Keith Powers Talk The New Edition Story (Exclusive) appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 1/23/2017
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
“The New Edition Story” will air over 3 nights, unfolding over 6 hours, on Bet, on January 24, 25 and 26, 2017, with a starring cast that includes Bryshere Y. Gray as Michael Bivins; Elijah Kelley is Ricky Bell; singer-songwriter Luke James… Continue Reading →...
- 1/1/2017
- by shadowandact
- ShadowAndAct
Bet will air “The New Edition Story,” about the famed music group New Edition, as a six-hour, three-night event on January 24, 25, and 26, 2017. The biopic tells the story of how the group laid the foundation for boy bands like Boyz II Men, N’Sync, The Backstreet Boys, and New Kids On The Block.
Read More: Taraji P. Henson: Why the ‘Empire’ Star Digs Donning Different Hats
New Edition was comprised of Ronnie Devoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Mike Bivins, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill. “Empire” star Bryshere Y. Gray will play Bivins as an adult and Dante Hoagland will play Michael as a child. The rest of the cast includes:
Elijah Kelley as the adult Bell and Caleb McLaughlin as the younger Bell. Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Luke James as Gill. Algee Smith as the adult Tresvant and Jahi Winston as the younger Tresvant. Keith Powers as the adult Devoe and...
Read More: Taraji P. Henson: Why the ‘Empire’ Star Digs Donning Different Hats
New Edition was comprised of Ronnie Devoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Mike Bivins, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill. “Empire” star Bryshere Y. Gray will play Bivins as an adult and Dante Hoagland will play Michael as a child. The rest of the cast includes:
Elijah Kelley as the adult Bell and Caleb McLaughlin as the younger Bell. Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Luke James as Gill. Algee Smith as the adult Tresvant and Jahi Winston as the younger Tresvant. Keith Powers as the adult Devoe and...
- 9/30/2016
- by Graham Winfrey
- Indiewire
Bet’s six-hour event series The New Edition Story about the iconic R&B boy band will air over three nights on January 24-26, the network said today. The biopic follows the group — Ronnie Devoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Mike Bivins, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill — from their humble beginnings in Boston to global stardom, weathering the highs and lows of controversy, personnel changes, and the cost of fame. Empire‘s Bryshere Y. Gray, The Wiz Live‘s Elijah Kelley, Luke…...
- 9/27/2016
- Deadline TV
The two standouts in the makeup and hair races for imagination and glam are definitely “American Horror Story: Hotel” (limited series) and “The Wiz Live!” (special).
“Ahsh” was like Halloween every day with a gallery of ghouls ranging from Lady Gaga’s fashionista vampire, the Countess, to Alex Ward’s creepy Addiction Demon with his drill bit dildo, to Denis O’Hare’s scene-stealing transgender bartender, Liz Taylor.
Meanwhile, “The Wiz” upped the live musical for TV by blending the Broadway show and movie into a new urban experience.
Lady Gaga’s 111-year-old Countess was the centerpiece for both makeup designer Eryn Kruger Mekash and hairstylist Monte Haught. Gaga had the opportunity to show off 65 glam looks throughout the 20th century. The actress’ personal makeup artist, Sarah Tanno, collaborated with Mekash on the designs, and Mekash’s husband, Mike, did all of the blood-related prosthetics.
The late ’20s vampire look...
“Ahsh” was like Halloween every day with a gallery of ghouls ranging from Lady Gaga’s fashionista vampire, the Countess, to Alex Ward’s creepy Addiction Demon with his drill bit dildo, to Denis O’Hare’s scene-stealing transgender bartender, Liz Taylor.
Meanwhile, “The Wiz” upped the live musical for TV by blending the Broadway show and movie into a new urban experience.
Lady Gaga’s 111-year-old Countess was the centerpiece for both makeup designer Eryn Kruger Mekash and hairstylist Monte Haught. Gaga had the opportunity to show off 65 glam looks throughout the 20th century. The actress’ personal makeup artist, Sarah Tanno, collaborated with Mekash on the designs, and Mekash’s husband, Mike, did all of the blood-related prosthetics.
The late ’20s vampire look...
- 8/29/2016
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Elijah Kelley -- the guy who played Scarecrow in "The Wiz Live!" -- was arrested Sunday after allegedly getting touchy with cops in downtown L.A. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Elijah and another man got into a heated argument after a New Edition concert at Microsoft Theater. Things were about to get physical when cops arrived, broke things up -- and both men were ejected. [[tmz:video id="0_65h3mb1f"]] We're told Elijah, who's playing Ricky Bell in an upcoming New Edition biopic,...
- 8/1/2016
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
New Edition paved the way for many successful boy bands, and now their story is coming to the silver screen. Bet unveiled the first trailer for its upcoming mini-series biopic, “The New Edition Story,” featuring Duane Martin and Wood Harris.
The three-part series will chronicle the group’s humble beginnings in Boston, their handwork and dedication and their rapid rise to stardom. It will also give glimpses of their struggles, fights and drama they had along the way, including their decision to replace Bobby Brown.
Read More: Bet Awards 2016: Full Bet Awards Winners List
Known for their early hits including “Candy Girl” and “Cool It Now,” the R&B quintet went through many highs and lows since its formation in 1978. “Empire” star Bryshere Gray will portray Michael Bivins, R&B singer-songwriter Luke James will be Johnny Gill, Woody McClain will take on the role of Bobby Brown, Elijah Kelley will be Ricky Bell,...
The three-part series will chronicle the group’s humble beginnings in Boston, their handwork and dedication and their rapid rise to stardom. It will also give glimpses of their struggles, fights and drama they had along the way, including their decision to replace Bobby Brown.
Read More: Bet Awards 2016: Full Bet Awards Winners List
Known for their early hits including “Candy Girl” and “Cool It Now,” the R&B quintet went through many highs and lows since its formation in 1978. “Empire” star Bryshere Gray will portray Michael Bivins, R&B singer-songwriter Luke James will be Johnny Gill, Woody McClain will take on the role of Bobby Brown, Elijah Kelley will be Ricky Bell,...
- 6/28/2016
- by Liz Calvario
- Indiewire
Here’s the long-awaited first trailer for Bet’s New Edition miniseries; details on the project follow after: Bet Networks upcoming New Edition miniseries will air over 3 nights, with a starring cast that includes Bryshere Y. Gray as Michael Bivins; Elijah Kelley is… Continue Reading →...
- 6/27/2016
- by Tambay Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
“The Wiz Live!” and “Grease Live!” both continued the live musical revival that began with NBC’s “The Sound of Music Live!” in 2013, which drew a remarkable 18.4 million viewers.
NBC’s “The Wiz,” though, was designed more like a Broadway show with an eye on Broadway sometime in the future. “The Wiz” “lent itself more to theatrical environments because of its familiarity, because it’s fantasy, and because of its musical performances,” said production designer Derek McLane (“The Sound of Music Live!” and NBC’s “Peter Pan Live!”).
McLane collaborated with”Hamilton” Tony-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell on an organic world with different looks made for the culture of today.
“Kansas is not a happy place for Dorothy and that’s reflected in its neutral palette,” McLane continued. “Munchkinland is predominantly orange with cylindrical buildings that evoke the Munchkins. Emerald City is like a modern club with different shades of green and electrified.
NBC’s “The Wiz,” though, was designed more like a Broadway show with an eye on Broadway sometime in the future. “The Wiz” “lent itself more to theatrical environments because of its familiarity, because it’s fantasy, and because of its musical performances,” said production designer Derek McLane (“The Sound of Music Live!” and NBC’s “Peter Pan Live!”).
McLane collaborated with”Hamilton” Tony-winning costume designer Paul Tazewell on an organic world with different looks made for the culture of today.
“Kansas is not a happy place for Dorothy and that’s reflected in its neutral palette,” McLane continued. “Munchkinland is predominantly orange with cylindrical buildings that evoke the Munchkins. Emerald City is like a modern club with different shades of green and electrified.
- 6/24/2016
- by Bill Desowitz
- Indiewire
Bet Networks upcoming New Edition miniseries will air over 3 nights, with a starring cast that includes Bryshere Y. Gray as Michael Bivins; Elijah Kelley is Ricky Bell; singer-songwriter Luke James is Johnny Gill; Algee Smith is Ralph Tresvant; Keith Powers is… Continue Reading →...
- 6/24/2016
- by Tambay Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Mere minutes into NBC’s broadcast of The Wiz Live! you could feel the Internet – or at least its nicer corners – breathe a huge sigh of relief. The network’s previous attempts at creating a classic for a new generation with The Sound of Music Live! and Peter Pan Live! resulted mostly in deflated fodder for live-tweeters hoping to get their fifteen minutes. Against all odds, The Wiz Live! managed to shake the Hate-Watch label and put on a legitimately entertaining show. Thanks to solid casting, spotless performances, and a strong choice of source material, NBC finally found a way to make appointment television satisfying for families and musical theatre fans alike.
Based on L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Wiz eased on to the Broadway stage in 1975 as a soulful retelling that featured an all-black cast and a score with roots in pop and R&B.
Based on L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, The Wiz eased on to the Broadway stage in 1975 as a soulful retelling that featured an all-black cast and a score with roots in pop and R&B.
- 12/5/2015
- by Samantha White
- We Got This Covered
NBC's musical television production of The Wiz Live stars world-class performers and recording artists including Queen Latifah Chicago, Mary J. Blige Empire, Ne-Yo Red Tails, and David Alan Grier In Living Color. Staying true to the groundbreaking Broadway show that put a vivid urban spin on the land of Oz, this fresh new trip down the yellow brick road also stars Common Being Charlie, Elijah Kelley Hairspray, Uzo Aduba Orange is the New Black, Amber Riley Glee, Stephanie Mills The Love Boat, and newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy. Also included on the DVD will be the NBC special, The Making of The Wiz Live, featuring the behind-the-scenes story of producing this live television event...
- 12/4/2015
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Shanice Williams, take your victory lap. The Wiz Live! star became just that, a star last night. The 18-year-old newcomer from New Jersey helped make NBC's latest live musical a hit, easily tackling the classics from the show, including "Home" and "Ease on Down the Road." Executive producer Neil Meron said it best. "Definitely a star is born. Get ready, America. This is only the first time people are going to be seeing Shanice Williams," he told us prior to the show's debut. See Williams tackle "Home" below. In The Wiz Live, an all-star cast including Ne-Yo, Elijah Kelley, David Alan Grier, Stephanie Mills, Amber Riley, Uzo Aduba, Common, Mary J. Blige and Queen Latifah joined...
- 12/4/2015
- E! Online
The Wiz Live! took fans back to Oz and took over Twitter Thursday night.
NBC's live musical featured newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy, and despite rave reviews for performance, there was one key component missing from most of the production: Toto! The canine favorite, played by a pair of adorable rescue dogs, appeared in the opening segment (as well as the end), but did not follow Dorothy to Oz – causing plenty of Twitter users to express their concern for the pooch. It's worth noting that in the original Broadway version of The Wiz, Toto did not make the journey to Oz either.
NBC's live musical featured newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy, and despite rave reviews for performance, there was one key component missing from most of the production: Toto! The canine favorite, played by a pair of adorable rescue dogs, appeared in the opening segment (as well as the end), but did not follow Dorothy to Oz – causing plenty of Twitter users to express their concern for the pooch. It's worth noting that in the original Broadway version of The Wiz, Toto did not make the journey to Oz either.
- 12/4/2015
- People.com - TV Watch
The Wiz Live! airs tonight! The highly-anticipated NBC musical event airs at 8 p.m., so there's just a couple of hours left for everyone to prepare. So what do you need to know? First of all, this cast is awesome. Mary J. Blige is Evillene the Wicked Witch, Queen Latifah is The Wiz, David Alan Grier is the Cowardly Lion, Ne-Yo is the Tin Man, Uzo Aduba is Glinda the Good Witch, Elijah Kelley is the Scarecrow, Common is the Bouncer, Amber Riley is Addapearle the Good Witch, Stephanie Mills is Aunt Em and Shanice Williams is Dorothy! Watch the E! News video above to find out what else you can expect on the show! Be sure to watch The Wiz Live! tonight at 8 p.m. on NBC. (E! and...
- 12/4/2015
- E! Online
Welcome, boys and girls, to our official The Wiz Live Liveblog! Here at The Wiz Live Liveblog, it's live, just like The Wiz Live is. We'll be bringing you up to the (five or ten) minute updates on whether Uzo Aduba is fabulous or extra fabulous, what Shanice Williams' next big role should be, and what we thought of Mary J. Blige's performance as the wicked witch (spoiler alert: we thought it was great, probably). Or at least that's our hope. It is live, of course, so anything could happen, but there's about to be enough talent on that stage to put on a truly fantastic show, including stars Aduba, Williams, Blige, Amber Riley, Common, Ne-Yo, David Alan Grier, Elijah Kelley, Queen...
- 12/4/2015
- E! Online
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 Rob Marshall's 2002 Chicago and 2007's Hairspray, Elijah Kelley also of 2007's Hairspray, Uzo Aduba of 2011's Godspell, and David Alan Grier 2012's Porgy And Bess.
- 12/4/2015
- by Matt Smith
- BroadwayWorld.com
Sony Music Masterworks and Broadway Records will release the original soundtrack of the NBC Television event "The Wiz Live!" Available now for preorder at Amazon, "The Wiz Live!" soundtrack features the well-known hits "Ease on Down the Road," "A Brand New Day" and "Home," plus the new song "We Got It." Written by Grammy Award winners, Ne-yo, Harvey Mason Jr. and Stephen Oremus with Elijah Kelley, "We Got It" will be performed in the broadcast by cast members Ne-yo and Kelley, along with Shanice Williams, David Alan Grier and The...
- 11/24/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Everybody, rejoice – it's almost time to ease on down the road back to Oz!
Over the past few weeks, we've seen peeks at the stars of NBC's The Wiz Live! on their own, but now People has an exclusive first look at everyone together, including Toto.
"We're creating a fantasy land that is also inspired by some of the imagery you'd see today," Tony-nominated costume designer Paul Tazewell told People in October. "It's the edgiest of high fashion from now but in the world of the Emerald City.
Newcomer Shanice Williams stars as Dorothy. She's joined by Ne-Yo as the Tin Man,...
Over the past few weeks, we've seen peeks at the stars of NBC's The Wiz Live! on their own, but now People has an exclusive first look at everyone together, including Toto.
"We're creating a fantasy land that is also inspired by some of the imagery you'd see today," Tony-nominated costume designer Paul Tazewell told People in October. "It's the edgiest of high fashion from now but in the world of the Emerald City.
Newcomer Shanice Williams stars as Dorothy. She's joined by Ne-Yo as the Tin Man,...
- 11/23/2015
- by Chancellor Agard, @chancelloragard
- People.com - TV Watch
After unveiling a few promo stills last week, NBC has started to ease The Wiz Live! on down to its release date, which means that we've gotten a few more glimpses of the big event. In a newly released promo, Mary J. Blige's sings and also shouts "I hate water!" which is all we ever wanted from Mary J. Blige. And, if you were distracted by all that hydrophobia, take a moment to gaze in admiration at her very glam Wicked Witch of the West outfit.If that wasn't enough, here's Queen Latifah crooning a few bars as the titular Wiz. Common, Amber Riley, Ne-Yo, Elijah Kelley, Amber Riley, Stephanie Mills, David Alan Grier, Uzo Aduba, and Shanice Williams also star in the show. Will The Wiz be good? Who knows! Will it set Twitter aflame? Definitely.
- 11/22/2015
- by Jackson McHenry
- Vulture
The good news? Mary J. Blige is going to completely own the stage as Evillene performing "No Bad News" when The Wiz Live! comes to NBC. In this first footage of the R&B diva as she inhabits the role of the Wicked Witch, exclusive to E! News, Mary proves that she won't be an easy foe for Dorothy and her pals to defeat as they ease on down the road. And they better come prepared to saaaang because Evillene's got some pipes on her. Pipes and a serious aversion to water, that is. In the live holiday event, airing Thursday, Dec. 3, Mary is joined by newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy, David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion, Ne-Yo as the Tin Man, Elijah Kelley (Hairspray) as the Scarecrow, Queen Latifah...
- 11/21/2015
- E! Online
Something wicked this way comes – and it's Mary J. Blige!
The singer is currently in rehearsals for NBC's upcoming musical event The Wiz Live! and the first photos of her in costume as Evilene (a.k.a. the Wicked Witch of the West) were released on Friday.
Blige's costume is just the latest wickedly awesome look from the show to be revealed leading up to the December telecast.
"We're creating a fantasy land that also is inspired by some of the imagery you'd see today," Tony-nominated costume designer Paul Tazewell told People in October. "It's the edgiest of high-fashion from...
The singer is currently in rehearsals for NBC's upcoming musical event The Wiz Live! and the first photos of her in costume as Evilene (a.k.a. the Wicked Witch of the West) were released on Friday.
Blige's costume is just the latest wickedly awesome look from the show to be revealed leading up to the December telecast.
"We're creating a fantasy land that also is inspired by some of the imagery you'd see today," Tony-nominated costume designer Paul Tazewell told People in October. "It's the edgiest of high-fashion from...
- 11/20/2015
- by Patrick Gomez, @PatrickGomezLA
- People.com - TV Watch
Update: 11/23/15: Go behind the scenes with Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, David Alan Grier, Ne-Yo, Elijah Kelley and Shanice Williams for an in-depth look at the live television event "The Wiz Live!," coming to NBC for one night only, Thursday, Dec 3 at 8/7c. *** Update 11/21/15: Below, more footage from NBC's "The Wiz Live!" - this time, featuring a first-look at Mary J. Blige in motion as the Wicked Witch of the West, and a little more of Queen Latifah as the Wizard. *** Update 11/20/2015: Here's your first look (below) at what Mary J. Blige will look like in "The Wiz Live!" She plays Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West. Past updates...
- 11/20/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
It took one preview duet, one song, and two tremendous vocalists to do it, but now we're ready for "The Wiz Live!", NBC's newest live musical, to ease on down to primetime December 3. Check out this very special rendition of "Home" featuring new star Shanice Williams and Broadway's original Dorothy herself, Stephanie Mills. Also in the cast: David Alan Grier (the Cowardly Lion), Queen Latifah (the Wiz), Uzo Aduba (Glinda), Elijah Kelley (Scarecrow), Ne-Yo (Tin Man), and Amber Riley (Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North). And just in case you forgot about television's most legendary performance of "Home" to date, check out this relic.
- 11/13/2015
- by Louis Virtel
- Hitfix
Update 11/11/15: NBC has released a new digital exclusive for its upcoming "The Wiz Live!" production - this one featuring stars Shanice Williams and Stephanie Mills singing "Home." *** Update 11/2/15: NBC has released a new preview/teaser for the live event, which is embedded immediately below: *** Update 10/30/15: Complete casting has now been set for NBC's December 3 live broadcast of "The Wiz Live." Joining the previously-cast Shanice Williams, Stephanie Mills, Uzo Aduba, Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, David Alan Grier, David Alan Grier, Common, Ne-Yo, and Elijah Kelley are recently announced additions: Chris...
- 11/11/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
The first teaser for The Wiz Live! has the star-studded cast taking their first, all-important steps down that iconic Yellow Brick Road.
NBC released the promo on Tuesday, revealing newcomer Shanice Williams in action as Dorothy and singing the musical's famous "Ease on Down the Road" for the first time before uttering the Kansas sweetheart's signature phrase: "There's no place like home."
Williams, 19, is joined by vets of stage, song and screen Ne-Yo as Tinman, David Alan Grier as Lion and Elijah Kelley as Scarecrow.
Williams and her costars have some big shoes to fill: Diana Ross played Dorothy in...
NBC released the promo on Tuesday, revealing newcomer Shanice Williams in action as Dorothy and singing the musical's famous "Ease on Down the Road" for the first time before uttering the Kansas sweetheart's signature phrase: "There's no place like home."
Williams, 19, is joined by vets of stage, song and screen Ne-Yo as Tinman, David Alan Grier as Lion and Elijah Kelley as Scarecrow.
Williams and her costars have some big shoes to fill: Diana Ross played Dorothy in...
- 11/3/2015
- by Chancellor Agard, @chancelloragard
- People.com - TV Watch
The Wiz Live! is offering its first look at a stroll down the yellow brick road. NBC has released the first promo for its latest live musical broadcast, starring David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion, Shanice Williams as Dorothy, Queen Latfiah as The Wiz, Ne-Yo as the Tin Man and Elijah Kelley as the Scarecrow. Read more 'CSI' Creator to Pen 'Soul Train' Musical for Broadway The teaser clip shows the main characters looking joyful as they head down the famous path. The Wiz Live!, from executive producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, is a three-hour live
read more...
read more...
- 11/3/2015
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
In case you were wondering, Shanice Williams, Colossus Ne-Yo, David Alan Grier, and Elijah Kelley are beyond excited for their turns on the Yellow Brick Road. Here's a peek at what everyone will look like, casual dance and jump moves included:Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, Uzo Aduba, and Common join the key quartet December 3, among many, many others, for NBC's live, musical take on Oz. (And Toto will be there, too, don't worry.)...
- 11/3/2015
- by Sean Fitz-Gerald
- Vulture
Update: NBC has released a new preview/teaser for the live event, which is embedded immediately below: *** Update 10/30/15: Complete casting has now been set for NBC's December 3 live broadcast of "The Wiz Live." Joining the previously-cast Shanice Williams, Stephanie Mills, Uzo Aduba, Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, David Alan Grier, David Alan Grier, Common, Ne-Yo, and Elijah Kelley are recently announced additions: Chris Borrero, James Brown III, Olutayo Bosede, Elon Van Buckley, Ta’rea Campbell, Jessica Castro, Kacie Garland, Asmeret Ghebremichael, Frankie Gordils, Khadija Griffith, Tre Holloway, Antonio Hudnell, Carlos Irizarry, Marcus Paul...
- 11/2/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
Update 10/30/15: Complete casting has now been set for NBC's December 3 live broadcast of "The Wiz Live." Joining the previously-cast Shanice Williams, Stephanie Mills, Uzo Aduba, Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, David Alan Grier, David Alan Grier, Common, Ne-Yo, and Elijah Kelley are recently announced additions: Chris Borrero, James Brown III, Olutayo Bosede, Elon Van Buckley, Ta’rea Campbell, Jessica Castro, Kacie Garland, Asmeret Ghebremichael, Frankie Gordils, Khadija Griffith, Tre Holloway, Antonio Hudnell, Carlos Irizarry, Marcus Paul James, Frederic Jean, Capathia Jenkins, Mykal Kilgore, Tamika Lawrence, India R. McGee, Maurice Murphy, Antonio...
- 10/30/2015
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
He has rather large shoes to fill as he eases on down the road, but The Wiz Live!'s new Scarecrow considers the role a real thriller.
"I'm not intimidated. I'm not scared," said Elijah Kelley of taking on the role made famous by Michael Jackson in the Broadway musical's 1978 film adaptation.
"I don't want to outdo Mike. I don't want to overdo," he added at a Radio Andy-hosted SiriusXM Town Hall for the upcoming NBC live event.
But Kelley is happy to follow the path paved by the King of Pop in some ways, saying he feels blessed to sing "You Can't Win,...
"I'm not intimidated. I'm not scared," said Elijah Kelley of taking on the role made famous by Michael Jackson in the Broadway musical's 1978 film adaptation.
"I don't want to outdo Mike. I don't want to overdo," he added at a Radio Andy-hosted SiriusXM Town Hall for the upcoming NBC live event.
But Kelley is happy to follow the path paved by the King of Pop in some ways, saying he feels blessed to sing "You Can't Win,...
- 10/27/2015
- by Chancellor Agard, @chancelloragard
- People.com - TV Watch
OnThursday, October 22 8Pm join executive producer Neil Meron and actors Shanice Williams, Elijah Kelley, David Alan Grier, and Ne-yo for a discussion and QampA about 'The Wiz Live', at the Apple Store, Soho 103 Prince Street. NBC embarks on its latest musical holiday tradition with a live TV production of the groundbreaking Tony Award-winning Broadway show that gave a new voice to the vivid world of Oz in a fresh, funky, sing-a-long journey down the yellow brick road.To attend the special event,register athttpss.apple.comdE0c9J2R7g...
- 10/19/2015
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
His costume is…so sick! Ne-Yo may just be the coolest Tin Man ever. The R&B singer and his costars in The Wiz Live! have officially gotten into character for their upcoming NBC special — and Oz has never looked so good. The first cast photos from the production were released on Tuesday, Oct. 13. Ne-Yo, who plays the Tin Man without a heart, was joined by Shanice Williams (Dorothy), Elijah Kelley (Scarecrow), and David Alan Grier (Cowardly Lion). Judging by the photos, Dorothy really is not in Kansas [...]...
- 10/14/2015
- Us Weekly
They're ready to ease on down the road! NBC is busy prepping its latest live holiday musical event, The Wiz, and now we have our first glimpse at the all-star cast in character as Dorothy and her three Yellow Brick Road traveling companions—and Toto's there too! Check the just-released key art to see 18-year-old newcomer Shanice Williams as Dorothy, the Kansas farm girl who lands in the land of Oz after a disastrous tornado, David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion, Ne-Yo (yes, that Ne-Yo!) as the Tin Man, Elijah Kelley (Hairspray) as the Scarecrow and an adorable puppy as the little dog. The Wiz Live! is a revival of the '70s musical (that eventually became a movie with an all-star cast) that tells...
- 10/13/2015
- E! Online
We really need to talk about the costumes for NBC’s upcoming production of The Wiz Live!
RelatedGrease: Live: Carly Rae Jepsen, Jessie J Among New Additions to Fox Musical
The Peacock Network on Tuesday released the first official photos of the cast — Shanice Williams as Dorothy, David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion, Elijah Kelley as the Scarecrow and Ne-Yo as the Tin-Man — donning surpassingly high-fashion get-ups.
Sure, they’re a little spooky, but come on, what’s not terrifying about a lost little girl being escorted through a strange land by a reanimated scarecrow, an axe-wielding robot and a talking lion?...
RelatedGrease: Live: Carly Rae Jepsen, Jessie J Among New Additions to Fox Musical
The Peacock Network on Tuesday released the first official photos of the cast — Shanice Williams as Dorothy, David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion, Elijah Kelley as the Scarecrow and Ne-Yo as the Tin-Man — donning surpassingly high-fashion get-ups.
Sure, they’re a little spooky, but come on, what’s not terrifying about a lost little girl being escorted through a strange land by a reanimated scarecrow, an axe-wielding robot and a talking lion?...
- 10/13/2015
- TVLine.com
NBC has released a first-look image of the main cast of its upcoming live musical “The Wiz” in character. The artwork features David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion, Shanice Williams as Dorothy, Ne-Yo as the Tin Man and Elijah Kelley as the Scarecrow. In addition to the cast featured in the image the upcoming live musical stars Uzo Aduba, Amber Riley, Queen Latifah and Mary J. Blige. Also Read: Uzo Aduba, Amber Riley Cast as Good Witches in NBC's 'The Wiz Live!' Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (“The Sound of Music Live!,” “Peter Pan Live!,” Oscar-winning “Chicago”) will executive produce.
- 10/13/2015
- by Alana Bracken
- The Wrap
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.