Taking a page from NBC after three years of record-breaking musical broadcasts, FOX is hoping to become the second network to reach ratings gold with the live presentation.  The three-hour telecast will feature songs from the 1972 stage production as well as the 1978 film.

FOX has made a few minor changes that may give NBC a run for its money.  Firstly, the event premieres on a Sunday, which may make the broadcast more accessible to families, theater lovers, and most importantly, theater performers.  Over the years, NBC has scheduled their events on Thursday night, which made it difficult for theater performers (a highly supportive and pivotal demographic) to enjoy the event live, since they too are performing at that time.  In addition, FOX announced they would be performing the show in front of a live audience, a missing element critics noted affected the energy in live filmed adaptations of staged shows.

FOX announced in May that Cinderella star KeKe Palmer would be joining the cast as “Marty Maraschino”, one of the infamous Pink Ladies.  Along with Palmer is Disney heartthrob Jordan Fisher as “Doody” and Broadway Black spotted Bring It On alum “Gregory Haney” and a couple of other chocolate drops on Instagram rounding off the ensemble.   Most importantly, for the Motown Philly lover in all of us, Boyz II Men has signed on to play the crooner role of “Teen Angel” collectively, a role made famous by Frankie Avalon.

“Grease: Live” is being staged by brilliant Hamilton director, Thomas Kail.  The full cast includes Julianne Hough as “Sandy”, Aaron Tveit as “Danny Zuko”, Andrew Call as “Sonny”, David Del Rio as “Putzie”, Kether Donohue as “Jan”, Jordan Fisher as “Doody”, Ana Gasteyer as “Principal”, Vanessa Hudgens as “Rizzo”, Carly Rae Jepsen as “Frenchie”, Mario Lopez as “Vince Fontaine”, Carlos PenaVega as “Kenickie”,  and Eve Plumb as “Mrs. Murdock.”

“Grease: Live” will cruise onto FOX Sunday, Jan. 31 at 8 p.m.  Will you be watching???

The post “Grease: Live” An Upgraded Musical TV Event? appeared first on Broadway Black.

We see you NBC. You have a taste for that live theater again don’t you. We’re not mad.

And now that you have kinda announced yet another spectacular live broadcast, this time, “Hairspray,” we are all abuzz. We feel we need to make a suggestion.

First off! Good choice! This musical,set in 1962 Baltimore, is light with enough emotional and political weight to get people’s attention. And the productions dealing with racial injustice will be interesting to see on the small screen.

Having said all that, we feel we need to make a suggestion.

Please, Please, Please Put Jenifer Lewis in as “Motormouth Maybelle.” Here are our top 5 reasons why.

1. She already played the role on Broadway in 2008.

2. Who is Jackie Washington? If you have to ask this question you have not watched the absolutely laugh out loud hilarious comedy “Jackie’s Back“. This move was like a comedic primer for actresses. Her over the top delivery is so well placed here. You are laughing from beginning to end, and proving that Ms. Lewis has the gravitas to take any role and make it her own.

3. If you watch Black-ish then you have yet another reason for why she is a comic genius. Her one-liners are sometimes better than an entire episode.

4. Jenifer is a wonderful singer in her own right.

5. Finally, Ms. Lewis is unpredictable live. I saw her at an event in New York, and she had people laughing even as she won an award for her career. Her sole goal seems to be to make us laugh, and she would be perfect on that stage in front of a live audience.

So go on NBC. Keep churning out the musicals, but don’t forget the right talent can make or break it. And we are betting that Jennifer Lewis would be a home run on any stage especially as Motormouth Maybelle.

Sincerely,

A Few Concerned Theater Geeks

The post Who Should Play Motormouth Maybelle for Hairspray Live appeared first on Broadway Black.

Yes, my heart just stopped too. 

We’re talking 1990s Los Angeles. 

FILA. Bucket hats. And bright colors.

Street dancers. Pac. And box braids.

But most importantly the raw, authentic choreography of Fatima Robinson.

Right now the show is untitled and in the early stages of development, but what we do know is we’re in for a treat as we travel back in time to see the birth of hip-hop dance. 

Robinson is what we like to call a “heavyweight” in the industry. Revered as “one of the most sought-after hip-hop and popular music choreographers in the world” by the New York Times, she has worked with Michael Jackson, Aaliyah, Black Eyed Peas, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Leona Lewis, Sade, Prince, Rihanna, Cheryl Cole, Snoop, and  Mary J. Blige.

She was the mastermind behind the 2011 Super Bowl Halftime show with the Black Eyed Peas, 2012 Coachella Tupac Hologram, and HBO Inauguration event for President Barack Obama. Robinson made history as the second Black woman to choreograph the Oscars in 2007 and 2009. As if  that wasn’t enough WERK to fill a career, her film choreography includes the mega hit Dreamgirls, as well as Sparkle, Charlie Wilson’s War, American Gangster, Public Enemy, Ali, and Confessions of a Shopaholic.

I think NBC has struck gold yet again. The Robinson-Meron-Zadan team has worked so well in the past— The Oscars, The Wiz Live!, and well, let’s hope the third time proves to be a charm.

The post Close Up: Fatima Robinson Dance Drama Coming to NBC appeared first on Broadway Black.

And, speaking of winning…

When it was announced that the song “You Can’t Win” would be featured in the production, I’d like to think that music icon Michael Jackson did the Moonwalk. Shanice Williams, the 2015 “Dorothy,” made a y’all-ain’t-ready post when referring to vocals by Elijah Kelley – the 2015 “Scarecrow” – during a rehearsal of the song.

Sitting outside the room while @elijah_kelley is singing you can't win! ! Yall not ready!!! #TheWiz

— Shanice Shantay (@LuvbeingShanice) October 8, 2015

For the 1978 film of the musical based on L. Frank Baum’s “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” Jackson performed the soulful Charles Smalls anthem that was originally written for the Broadway show. By opening night, however, the number – which was performed by the Winkies – was cut. The solo for the Scarecrow in the stage version was “I Was Born on the Day Before Yesterday” – a commanding narrative with its “This time I’m going to make it” and “Gonna lift my head up/Can you feel my spirit” lyrics – but it was dropped for the film version. “You Can’t Win” was then resurrected, and the depressing albeit upbeat ditty became the second single (produced by Quincy Jones) to be released from The Wiz: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.

In a New York Times article, The Wiz playwright William F. Brown – who called the film version starring Diana Ross awful – discussed the song as being a “Black message song.” Brown, who is White, said: “But it’s all changed. Black people can win. And this is not a Black message show. It’s everybody’s show.” I think it’s pretty safe to say, that some Black people weren’t winning in the 70s. Should the thought be that Black people are winning in 2015, it might be necessary for some re-thinking. In light of the disturbing climate of race relations today, the song can take on a greater meaning when it is broadcast to millions of viewers.

It’s not necessary to have a “can’t-nobody-sing-it-like-MJ” focus in regard to the song. Kelley, and no one else for that matter, will sing it like the infamous King of Pop. Yet, belting out the pain and the contempt is what will do the song justice. Remember, the film’s scene opens with the Scarecrow being mocked for his inspirational quotes and imploring his freedom. Before singing The Crow Anthem, he is forced to recite The Crow Commandments: “Thou shall honor all crows”; “Thou shall stop reading all bits of paper and literature”; and “Thou shall never, never get down offa dis here pole.”

In Jackson’s 1988 autobiography, Moonwalk, he said: “The song was about humiliation and helplessness – something that so many people have felt at one time or another – and the feeling that there are people out there who don’t actively hold you back as much as they work quietly on your insecurities so that you hold yourself back.”

It also is interesting to note what Dr. Elwood Watson said about the The Wiz and the symbolism of the scene in his book Pimps, Wimps, Studs, Thugs and Gentlemen: Essays on Media Images of Masculinity. He noted that the work suggests “African Americans carry the scars and the idea of racism in their bodies.”

“Daily, Scarecrow begs The Crows to liberate him so that he can pursue his quest for a brain, intellect development… The scene invokes African American experiences in the south and the ritual lynching of African American men. The Crows, however, have no intention of doing bodily harm to the Scarecrow – theirs is a more insidious violence… The Crow Commandments invokes the laws that forbid educating slaves… The Crows reinforce Scarecrow’s subjection at their hands through a song… that aims to disabuse Scarecrow of any aspirations toward freedom.

“The Crows are even more disadvantaged than Scarecrow because, unlike him, they are hopeless. The Crow’s chorus… reflects their disillusionment with their inability to realize the promise of upward mobility. The Crows are suspicious, and perhaps justifiably so, of optimistic political discourse that promise substantive change… The Crows, then, become symbolic of a potentially negative family dynamic, one that subjugates its members and does not encourage an exploration of alternative constructions of the self.”

Much can be ascertained when digging a little deeper. Of course, now you may have some rage and tears welling up. However, you can look at it this way: if you’ve ever listened to a song by 70s soul singer Donny Hathaway, you can’t help but to feel invigorated from the despair his lyrics tackle. “You Can’t Win” – with refrains such as “Better cool it ‘cause it ain’t about losing,” “Ain’t the way it’s supposed to be” and “Learn your lesson/Refuel your mind” – can prompt a negotiation for winning.

No, you don’t need tickets for NBC’s The Wiz (and please don’t pose that question to Broadway Black founder Drew Shade). You just need a TV, preferably with surround sound, to journey to Emerald City (with a makeover provided by Tony winner and Broadway icon Harvey Fierstein, who will contribute new material to the original book by Brown). If you need to be reminded of the musical’s impact and what’s to come, chile, revisit Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Concert. Its tribute to The Wiz – featuring Monica, Deborah Cox, Al Jarreau and Jill Scott as the Scarecrow – is just one more brick to the building of excitement.

What do you think about the song?

The post ‘You Can’t Win’ A Win-Win For NBC’s The Wiz appeared first on Broadway Black.

On June 8, the cast reunited for a one-time performance of the musical to benefit the Actors Fund. The performance left fans wanting more than just a tease and caused NBC to take notice of the value of turning Bombshell into an actual production. The New Yorker referred to the performance of Bombshell as “ The best Broadway musical that doesn’t exist.”

“Smash” chronicled the drama that ensues behind the scenes of producing a Broadway play and was on air for two seasons. Steven Spielberg, who executive produced “Smash,” has signed on to help turn the fictional show into a stage production. Songs written for the television show by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman will be included. A book writer for the show has not yet been announced and no one from the “Smash” cast has officially signed on for the stage production.

“Smash” had cameos from many Broadway Black actors including: Condola Rashad, Vivian Nixon, Leslie Odom Jr., Jessie L. Martin, Montego Glover, Jennifer Hudson, and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Fans are anxiously waiting in the wings to see who will grace the stage.

Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment, told zapit.com, “There is a still a lot of love for ‘Smash’ and a rabid fanbase out there, and we’re thrilled to be able to keep the dream alive as we work towards bringing Bombshell to theatre audiences.”

No official timeframe has been set for Bombshell, but fans can rest easy knowing that those who brought it to television are working hard to bring it to the stage.

The post Bombshell will Live Again as Broadway Musical appeared first on Broadway Black.

Audition Info:

“Female, African American, must be 18 years-of-age or older. Must have an extraordinary voice that can still tell a story, and maturity with a youthful energy. Those auditioning should come prepared to sing a short portion of “Home,” “Ease on Down the Road” or “Be a Lion” a cappella. Also, bring a picture/résumé with full contact information.”

Auditions will be June 6th at 10 AM ET and continue through 2 PM

311 W. 43rd St., 10th floor. New York, NY Sign in begins at 9 AM

We are glad to see they are actively looking for a fresh face and a true theatre trained performer. We previously announced that Stephanie Mills be playing the role of Aunt Em and the famed choregrapher Fatima Robinson will tackle the choreography for this televised production that will eventually see the Broadway stage in 2016. The musical will be directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon.

#TheWizLive Description from NBC:

“Dorothy, a young woman from Kansas, is swept up in a tornado and relocated to a fantasy world that is inhabited by munchkins, good and bad witches, and, of course, flying monkeys. She eventually takes a path down a yellow brick road to find a wizard who can help her go home and along the way meets a scarecrow, tin man and cowardly lion, who all learn to help one another.”

The live broadcast is scheduled for Dec. 3 and we’ll be having a live view party in person AND via twitter. Prepare yourselves now to join us! #WeAreBroadwayBlack

The post NBC Will Hold Auditions For Dorothy In The Wiz Live appeared first on Broadway Black.

Today, according to multiple sources who attended the NBC Upfronts presentation and confirmed by executive producer Craig Zaden on twitter that Grammy Award winning Mills will not only join the cast but also that the role of Dorothy would be going to a newcomer! So that cancels out casting plans for some but we’re beyond ecstatic about this.

BREAKING: The amazing STEPHANIE MILLS (@PrettyMill1), the original Dorothy in Broadway prod of #TheWiz, will star as Aunt Em in #TheWizLive.

— Craig Zadan (@craigzadan) May 11, 2015

This is a full circle moment. One to take in with a deep breath and appreciate. This just feels right, it’s so appropriate and… respectful. It’s just… all-around lovely to hear and to think about. We’re excited and anxious to hear the rest of the casting. They’re definitely on the right path. We’re keeping the faith that it stays there.

JUST IN: The Original Dorothy, Stephanie Mills (@PrettyMill1) will play AUNT EM in @NBC‘s Live Telecast of THE WIZ! pic.twitter.com/CRmPnF5nUz — Broadway Black (@BroadwayBlack) May 11, 2015

The Wiz for NBC will partner with Cirque du Soleil to bring the live and Broadway productions to life. Tony Award winning director Kenny Leon will stage both productions. The original book of the show was written by William F. Brown. This time around, legend Harvey Fierstein will add new material to the book.

“We love this yearly tradition and we’re more excited than ever to not only bring another Broadway musical to America’s living rooms, but also see it land on Broadway as well,” said NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt. “It’s a natural next step for our live musical events and we’re so pleased to be in business with this award-winning creative team and Scott Zeiger, President and Managing Director of Cirque du Soleil’s new theatrical division. Cirque’s incredible imagination will help bring the fantasy world of Oz vividly to life and give this great show a modern spin on the age-old story we all love.”

“We are delighted that NBC and Cirque du Soleil will present ‘The Wiz,'” said Zeiger. “It’s a musical I have wanted to produce for years and it’s the perfect show to present under the new Cirque du Soleil Theatrical banner.”

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to not only produce this as our next live musical for NBC, but to then see it move to Broadway for a new generation to experience,” said Zadan. “It will be a joy to work again with Kenny Leon, who did ‘Steel Magnolias’ and ‘Raisin in the Sun’ with us,” added Meron.

Universal Television will produce. Casting for both the NBC telecast and Cirque du Soleil‘s Broadway production will be announced at a later date.

Watch Below As Stephanie Mills Sings Home from The Wiz on the Soul Train Awards 2014

The post Stephanie Mills Will Play Aunt Em In NBC’s THE WIZ Live appeared first on Broadway Black.