They really might be the three best friends that anybody could have. And even more, family.
Broadway Black had a chance to catch up with Ne-Yo, Elijah Kelley and David Alan Grier last week to talk about preparing for their roles as Tin Man, Scarecrow and the Lion, respectively, for the television event of the SEASON, “The Wiz LIVE!”
While Neyo has appeared in films such as “Stomp the Yard” and “Red Tails” he admits there was a bit of trepidation stepping into a theater role, but having his “Red Tails” costar, Kelly, around helped ease the transition.
“I was a little nervous, because I’ve never done anything theater before so to have somebody that I know definitely helped out. Then, once I got in there with everybody…we’re all family.”
Ne-Yo noted, that to prepare for this role he had to do a bit of research on the story, it’s origin, and take a step back to get a more expansive grasp on the role.
“I sat down and thought about who the character would be in 2015, because this is not based in the 70’s. Just trying to figure out who the Tin Man would be in 2015, because he wouldn’t be a woodsman, he may be a construction worker. I felt like, just with the change of the times, it would be different than what Nipsey Russell did.”
When asked what he’s learned from his first musical theater experience, Ne-Yo and his co-stars chuckled as he responded, “I’ve learned that the way it’s written in the script is literally just the tip of the iceberg. Working with Kenny Leon, he makes you think of the origin of the action.”
“I’ve also learned that David Alan Grier is an absolute prima donna,” he says jokingly.
To which Grier retorts, “You got a bodyguard! How you gon’ give direction to a man with a bodyguard?!”
From jump it’s clear that Broadway vet and “In Living Color” alum Grier is still the residential funny man, exuding charisma, humor and wisdom that is sure to beguile when he takes on the beloved role of the Cowardly Lion.
“Everyday…it sounds corny…everyday is so great. The greatest joy,” Grier says peacefully. “I never knew Neyo. I never knew Elijah Kelley. When we come to rehearsal, we grind as a company. It takes humility. It takes all of us surrendering control, because you gotta have a leader. It’s kind of like leading an army. So we can’t all be trying to lead.”
If the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was any indication, the army seems to be ready for battle. Featuring Cirque Du Soleil performers, rocking orchestrations and brilliant choreography by renowned choreographer Fatima Robinson, the show-stopping number had everyone aching in anticipation for Thursday’s full production. Who may not be as excited about it? The cast.
“Brand New Day is easily one of the longest and most difficult routines in the whole thing. A lot of choreography,” Neyo explained before Kelley interjected. “Gotta be in the right place at the right time or you might get kicked.”
Luckily the pair was able to shake off that anxiety when they joined forces to create the new original song “We Got It” for the upcoming production.
Ne-Yo explained, “There’s a part where the four friends all find out that in order for their wishes to be granted by The Wiz they have to kill the Wicked Witch of the West. So it’s like, we finally get here, we’ve done so much to get here to meet The Wiz, and our dreams are right there but the only thing in the way is literally an impossible feat.”
“Kenny was telling us that originally there was never a song that spoke to that moment,” he continued. “I had to not factor in that I was writing for ‘The Wiz,’ because when you say this is a song that’s gonna be incorporated in the iconic and historic story of ‘The Wiz,’ nothing you do is good enough. So it’s like ‘let me take that off, read the notes and do exactly what’s being asked of me.’ So that’s what we did and the song came out amazing.”
When Grier jokingly asked if Kelley bogarted his way into co-writing with Ne-Yo, Kelley explained that the collaboration has been a long time coming.
“Every time I see him it’s just like ‘we gotta do something legendary.’ God granted that wish.”
With the mass of the chords by Kelley, orchestrations by Harvey Mason Jr. and lyrics by Neyo, “We Got It” “just became this thing.”
“And that’s how the three of us wrote that song,” Grier playfully inserts in true Grier fashion as the dynamic trio quickly move on to prepare for the rest of their journey.
Watch them take that journey with us when “The Wiz! Live” premieres on NBC Thursday, Dec. 3 at 8p.m.
