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Ashanti Takes on Broadway, Lands a Role in 'The Whiz'

Ashanti will take her singing skills to New York's biggest stage in the Broadway play 'The Whiz.' The 28-year-old will star as Dorothy, in the adapted version of L. Baum's 'The Wizard of Oz.'

This isn't the first time Ashanti followed the yellow brick road. She first played the role on the small screen in 'The Muppets Wizard of Oz' in 2005. This time around the Grammy winner will be sans her puppet costars as she brings to life the role first played by singer Stephanie Mills in 1975. The play went on to win a Tony Award before being adapted into a film starring Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the scarecrow.

Actors Who Rock

    KIRSTEN DUNST, known for dating musicians, is now making some music of her own. The actress is writing a musical she's been working on for a few years.

    Soul Brother/FilmMagic, Getty

    JESSICA BIEL recorded vocals for the soundtrack of her movie 'Easy Virtue'.

    Matt Carr, Getty Images

    Steve Spatafore, Getty Images

    KEVIN COSTNER has a six-piece rock group called the Kevin Costner Band.

    Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images

    Actress KIM KARDASHIAN told E! in Sept. 2008 that she'd "be down" to make an album "if it was something fun. I love music, so it would just have to be the right thing."

    Bryan Bedder, Getty Images

    'House' actor HUGH LAURIE also plays piano and calls himself a "frustrated musician." He has also composed and recorded numerous original songs.

    Gregg DeGuire, WireImage

    The actor collaborated with Jim Brickman on the soundtrack of 'Cinderella' and released his debut album, 'A Long Time Coming,' in Sept. 2008.

    Lisa Lake, WireImage

    SCARLETT JOHANSSON's album of Tom Waits was released in May of 2008. She debuted her pipes on stage with Jesus and Mary Chain at Coachella 2007.

    John Shearer, WireImage

    Actor JOAQUIN PHOENIX, who portrayed Johnny Cash in 'Walk the Line,' is recording an album with Charlatans singer Tim Burgess. (Photo by E. Charbonneau, WireImage)

    MICHAEL CERA -- Impressed with his vocals and guitar skills in 'Juno'? Makes sense as he's had practice in his band, The Long Goodbye.(Photo ny Doane Gregory, Fox Searchlight)



Ashanti has been building up her acting resume appearing in the films 'Resident Evil: Extinction,' 'John Tucker Must Die' and 'Coach Carter.' The New York native shot to fame with her 2001 hit single 'Foolish.' She went on to become the first female artists to hold the top two spots on the Billboard Hot 100 charts simultaneously. Last year she released her fourth album 'The Dedication' less than stellar sales, pushing 86,000 copies in its first week.

The show will open on June 12 at New York's City Center and will run through July 5.

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7 Comments

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O.Giguere

Come on, Beyonce is too old for the part of Dorothy

May 06 2009 at 10:31 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to O.Giguere's comment
peasagrada

Beyonce is younger than Ashanti and Anika Noni Rose and Diana Ross when she played Dorothy in the film bomb, I mean adaptation.

May 14 2009 at 3:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tracyi

It's the WIZ! DUH!! Whiz is for cheese...Dumbass reporters/journalists.

May 03 2009 at 12:35 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Delilah

Beyonce? NO THANKS! WINNER: "Anika Noni Rose" Not only can this girl blow, but she is an incredible actress. I've seen her perform on broadway in "Caroline, or Change" OMG, She is remarkably talented. Most people only know her from Dreamgirls. Disney even chose her for their leading character in the upcoming animated feature "The Princess and the Frog". Disney knows talent!!!Ashanti? Are you kidding me?

May 01 2009 at 10:48 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
peasagrada

They really should reconsider, this is exactly what happened when they made the film version and Diana Ross was cast instead of Stephanie Mills and it was a critical and financial flop. Such a shame too, 'The Wiz' really is an excellent play.

April 30 2009 at 9:18 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
peasagrada

What a shame it was to hear Ashanti was cast in the role of Dorothy. Beyonce Knowles is much more suited for the role. Shes not only a much more accomplished singer than her (10 Grammys people!! Obama requested her!! hello!), but also has a much grander acting ability (Fresh off her critically acclaimed role as Etta James in Cadillac Records and a number one movie currently at the box office, plus shes a Golden Globe and SAG nominated actress). She is such an incredible talent!

April 30 2009 at 9:14 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mitch

It isn't "The Whiz" -- it's
The WIZ". Do your bloody homework!

April 30 2009 at 8:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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