Some Dallas Independent School District students will be paying close attention to NBC's live musical production "The Wiz."
Students at Lincoln High School, Dallas ISD's communications and humanities magnet, have an assignment to compare and contrast the original "The Wizard of Oz" from 1939 with "The Wiz" from 1978 and the 2015 live version.
The assignment is aimed examining storytelling and the role African-Americans have played in film and theater.
NBC5 spoke with students after they watched the original Thursday morning.
"You get to be able to connect with it," Lincoln Student Jamal Hutcherson said. "The story has the same theme."
"The Wiz" gave "The Wizard of Oz" an urban twist. In 1978, Diana Ross held the starring role of Dorothy, while the 2015 version introduces audiences to Shanice Williams -- who won the part in an open casting call.
"Every time more talent gets added to the story," Lincoln Student Kewona Jones said.
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You can join the students from Lincoln as they tweet along with the live production, just use the hashtag #WatchingTheWiz.
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