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By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior Nationwide Correspondent
(NNPA NEWSWIRE) – Nichelle Lewis, a 24-year-old entertainer and triple risk in theater, music and social media, will star in a revival of “The Wiz” on Broadway.
A seasoned actress who has appeared in “Hairspray” and showcased her vocal prowess on “American Idol,” Lewis reportedly captivated casting brokers along with her artistic TikTok escapades.
Now the Virginia native has seized the coveted function of Dorothy.
The function locations her within the prestigious lineage of iconic performers like R&B famous person Stephanie Mills and pop icon Diana Ross.
“It’s been a fairly loopy journey,” Lewis stated in an Related Press interview on Aug. 14. She added, “I’m honored to be making my debut as Dorothy. I do know I’m following in some actually huge footsteps.”
“The Wiz” will quickly start a tour throughout the US, beginning in Baltimore this fall and heading to Broadway in 2024.
Lewis will act alongside Wayne Brady and Alan Mingo Jr., who will take turns taking part in the mysterious character often called the Wiz.
The forged additionally consists of singer and actress Deborah Cox as Glinda, Kyle Ramar Freeman because the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson because the Tin Man, and Avery Wilson because the Scarecrow.
A graduate of Molloy College’s class of 2021, Lewis ingeniously harnessed the attain of her modest TikTok account to showcase her vocal vary. One in every of her renditions, “Dwelling” from “The Wiz,” resounded far and large, reaching the ears of astute casting brokers who promptly beckoned her to audition.
“I’m so excited that this is part of my story, as a result of I really feel like there’s so many individuals on the market who began out with such a small following, and I really feel like they’re onerous on themselves about it,” she stated.
“However I’m like, ‘You by no means know who’s watching these movies.’ I by no means knew that ‘The Wiz’ was my movies.”
“The Wiz,” an adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s timeless “The Fantastic Wizard of Oz,” is a guide by William F. Brown and is delivered to life by means of the music and lyrics of Charlie Smalls.
Lewis acknowledged the significance of the heroine’s quest to find herself in a wierd world and stated she helps others find their true selves.
“I really feel prefer it’s extraordinarily essential for folks, particularly proper now, to see that they are often highly effective simply by being themselves and simply by being particular person and distinctive,” she instructed the AP. “So, I feel that’s how the present speaks to me.”
“The Wiz” initially debuted on Broadway in 1975, incomes seven Tony Awards, together with the coveted title of Finest Musical. The manufacturing included memorable songs like “What Would I Do If I Might Really feel” and “Ease on Down the Highway.” It featured Mills as Dorothy, Dee Dee Bridgewater as the nice witch Glinda, and Andre De Shields because the enigmatic Wiz.
The 1978 cinematic adaptation featured Diana Ross, Lena Horne, Richard Pryor, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell and Ted Ross.
In 2015, a stay televised rendition featured Queen Latifah, Ne-Yo and David Alan Grier.
Together with her mom embracing the information with jubilant tears and ecstatic exclamations, Lewis acknowledged the transformation her life might now take.
“She’s like, ‘Your life goes to alter.’ And I’m like, ‘I don’t know. It in all probability will,’” Lewis stated of her mom’s response. “ I really feel so blessed, and I’m so glad I get to share it along with her.”
This text was initially revealed by NNPA Newswire.
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