On the heels of its 40th anniversary, the legendary Broadway musical ‘The Wiz’ is getting a new life breathed into it with NBC’s presentation of ‘The Wiz Live’ that aired on broadcast TV. One of the original cast members of the Broadway musical, Stephanie Mills, made her appearance in the new version. This time, as the Auntie. But soulful R&B singer has seen it all: from chart topping songs like “I Have Learned To Respect The Power of Love” and “Home” to challenging relationships, she’s not only lived through them, but thrived as well.
And just like her, the original play has stood the test of time, and Mills is pleased. “You know, it’s a continuation of the journey,” the Grammy Award-winner confessed. “And I’m so glad that they are adapting it from 1975, the original script so it’s very much like the play. It’s exciting and I know that Ken Harper, who was the producer and it was really his baby, and Geoffrey Holder and Charlie Small are really smiling to know that after 40 years, it’s here and what a way to celebrate it.”
Over the last 40 years, a lot has changed, technology, politics, entertainment, etc. So The Wiz Live! has a modern day, updated feel. And Mills herself has changed, the biggest change being a mother–something she wasn’t used to the last time she was on stage with the Wiz.
She says one of her greatest achievements is giving birth. “I am so excited to be a mother. I love it,” admits Mills.
“It is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I lost both my mother and father and I have a wonderful son…
… Farad who is just the love of my life. Having him has brought out the best in me, a softer side. He is a special needs child and is such a wonderful son. He is so precious. He’s just beginning to understand what I do [for a living]. For instance, today he was singing: Learn to Respect the Power of Love as he was getting dressed for school.”
Although the singer still sings, tours and is very active in the entertainment industry, one of her next projects is inspired through being a mom and her stature. “Next up for me is a children’s book, and a clothing line for petites,” beams Mills. “I’m 4′ 11″ and it’s hard to find things I really like. I know that there are others with the same issues regarding clothes. So I want to design or create a line just for us and of course keep making great music for years to come.”
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