NBC finds its Dorothy for 'The Wiz Live!'

NBC has found its Dorothy.

After a long search that included an open casting call, the network announced on The Today Show Wednesday that 18-year-old Shanice Williams, an unknown actress, has landed the coveted role in The Wiz Live!, the third live musical the network has put on in the last three years.

Williams is stepping into some big shoes in the role, considering Dorothy was played by music icon Diana Ross in the 1978 feature film version of The Wiz. The young actress joins 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 set to air on NBC on Dec. 3.