Odds & Ends: Spring Awakening's Clive Barnes Nods, Mary J. Blige Talks The Wiz Live! & More

Here's a quick roundup of stories you may have missed today.

Spring Awakening's Clive Barnes Nods
Don't do sadness! Spring Awakening has picked up two nominations for the sixth annual Clive Barnes Awards, which recognize and encourage young talent in theater and dance. Sandra Mae Frank and Katie Boeck have received a joint nod for their performance in Deaf West's Broadway revival, along with Austin McKenzie. Other nominees in the theater category are Jack DiFalco for Mercury Fur and Dave Thomas Brown for The Legend of Georgia McBride. All finalists are set to receive a cash prize, with the winners picking up $5,000 at a ceremony on January 11, 2016 at the Walter Reade Theatre. Tony winner Annaleigh Ashford (Sylvia) has been tapped to present, while Tony winner Alex Sharp will speak and the mischievous Michael Riedel is scheduled to emcee.

The Illusionists Set for NBC
The Illusionists, who are currently back on Broadway conjuring up some special holiday surprises, will be bringing their unique brand of magic to NBC. The one-hour special will air on December 9; check them out on TV and also at the Neil Simon Theatre through January 3, 2016.

Rabbit Hole to Bow in London
David Lindsay-Abaire’s Rabbit Hole, which won the Pulitzer Prize following its 2006 Broadway premiere, is heading across the pond. Directed by Edward Hall, the production is set to make its U.K premiere at the Hampstead Theatre, where it will run January 29, 2016 through March 5, officially opening on February 4. No word yet on casting.

Mary J. Blige Talks The Wiz Live!
Mary J. Blige will soon appear in NBC's live telecast of The Wiz Live! and she recently stopped by The Wendy Williams Show to chat about taking on the role of Evillene. The nine-time Grammy winner admitted that she's nervous, "but I'm working really hard," and that she didn't think twice about tackling the project "because this is The Wiz!" Check out the interview below; The Wiz Live! with Ne-Yo, Common, Queen Latifah, Shanice Williams and more will air on December 3.