Deadline reports that the network is producing a live musical version of the iconic film, which was based on The Wizard of Oz and produced in conjunction with Motown. It also featured an all-black cast, including Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. NBC chairman Bob Greenblatt describes The Wiz as “catchy (?) and cool.”
The same producers behind Sound of Music and Peter Pan, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, are on board. The Wiz is a smart choice, but will they also bring on some black people behind the scenes? Who will play the Scarecrow? Nick Cannon? Start clicking your ruby slippers together and hope this won’t be a spectacular disaster. Hopes are moderate!
Along with The Wiz, NBC is also remaking The Music Man and both will air either this year or in 2016.
(h/t: Flavorwire)