After the success of NBC’s live production of The Sound of Music, Peter Pan and The Wiz, it subsequently announced that the next big production will be based on the classic musical Hairspray. Now it’s been revealed that some big names will star in the show, including Jennifer Hudson and Harvey Fierstein.
Jennifer Hudson, the Oscar and Gloden Globe winning actress/musician, will take on the role of Motormouth Maybelle, who was played by Queen Latifah in the film.
In addition, Harvey Fierstien will return in his Tony Award-winning role of Edna Turnblad in the original musical. Fierstein will have a role behind the camera as well, providing his long-lasting talent to help shape the script and production of the live show. John Travolta took the honors of playing Edna Turnblad in the 2007 film production.
Said musical was brought to the big screen in 2007 with an all-star cast and a break out performance by Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad.
Hairspray made its debut as a 1988 Broadway musical. It takes place in Baltimore, Maryland, during the 1960s, and is based on an unpopular young girl’s dream coming true by landing a spot on a teen dance TV show.
The original musical production won three Tony Awards, among other acknowledgements over the years. It gradually accrued over 2,500 performances before finally concluding in 2009.
Other cast members and/or production crew have yet to be announced. Needless to say, NBC is thrilled to have these actors joining production, which is scheduled to air in December.