A classic land of literary fame is revisited with new CG-animated flair in Dee & Friends in Oz. The new series inspired by the world of L. Frank Baum’s iconic books hails from 9 Story Media Group and is animated by its award-winning Dublin studio Brown Bag Films, and makes its global debut today (Feb. 5) on Netflix with a 44-minute prequel special and 16 x 22′ series.
The musical adventure centers on a young Black protagonist, Dorothy “Dee” Davis — a girl writing a brand-new story of Oz where every kid has the power inside themselves to be a hero. Dee embarks on epic, cinematic adventures alongside her friends to take
on obstacles in this magical, musical land.
The series was created by Emmy winner Angela C. Santomero (Blue’s Clues, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood); developed by Emmy-nominated writers Halcyon Person (Karma’s World, Blaze and the Monster Machines) and Keion Jackson (Karma’s World, Sesame Street); and directed by Declan Doyle (Get Rolling with Otis, Doc McStuffins).
When a mysterious key transports her to the land of Oz, a regular kid named Dee goes on a musical journey to save magic — and be the hero of the story.
Bringing this fresh take on Oz to life are the rhythms of Emmy- and Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Tarriona “Tank” Ball. Ball hails from New Orleans and is the lead singer of popular R&B band, Tank and the Bangas. Ball’s compositions — spanning R&B, hip-hop, funk, gospel, country and rock — will be featured on the series’ first official soundtrack, Dee’s Journey, released globally in partnership with Republic Records on Feb. 9. The first single, “Proud to be Loud,” is available on major streaming platforms.
The stellar voice cast of Dee & Friends in Oz features Tony Award winner LaChanze (The Color Purple 2006 stage production, Disney’s Hercules), doing double-duty as both Dee’s Grandma and Miss Emerald, the beloved teacher at The School of Oz. Tony Award-winner James Monroe Iglehart (Broadway’s Aladdin, Hamilton; Prime Video’s Hazbin Hotel). In addition to composing the show’s music, Tarriona “Tank” Ball also voice stars as the fun and fabulous villain, Miss Ruby.
The voice cast also includes bright young talents Layla Capers as the titular Dee; Sevien Desuyo as Skylar/Scarecrow; Judah Edwards as Quentin/Tin; Sid Kamat as Rohan/Lion; Isabella Velasquez as Emilia/Eastyn; Lumi Pollack as Wanessa/Westyn; and a host of others.
Check out the trailer for Dee & Friends in Oz below; you can watch a full episode on the Netflix Jr. YouTube channel here.
