NBC has found its Dorthy for The Wiz Live!

After a long search, NBC has found its Dorothy.

18-year-old New Jersey newcomer Shanice Williams has been chosen to play the starring role in its upcoming production of The Wiz Live! With five years of musical experience, Shanice is joining Queen Latifah (as The Wiz), Mary J. Blige (as the Wicked Witch of the West) and David Alan Grier (as the Cowardly Lion) in the production. The Wiz Live! is directed by Kenny Leon.

William beat hundreds of other applicants for the iconic role of a Kansas farm girl who gets swept up in a tornado and is sent to the mysterious land of Oz. She’s appeared in local productions of West Side Story, 42nd Street, Pippin and other titles. The Wiz Live! airs December 3rd on NBC.