Latifah, Blige join NBC's 'The Wiz'

NBC's musicalThe Wiz Live! has named its title star.

Queen Latifah has been cast as the mysterious wizard. Joining her is Mary J. Blige, who's been named Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West.

Producer Neil Meron shared the news of his Grammy-winning cast on Twitter:

Meron and co-producer Craig Zadan have previously worked with Latifah on Chicago, Hairspray and TV film Steel Magnolias.

Stephanie Mills, who was in the original Broadway production of The Wiz, was previously announced to portray Auntie Em in the NBC production. The musical, which follows last year's Peter Pan Live!, is set for Thursday, Dec. 3.