HAIRSPRAY is next NBC Musical... — Page 8

Updated On: 1/14/16 at 12:08 PM

Link may not have a ton to do but a mediocre Link can sink a production FAST.

Alexa Penavega has experience playing Penny, as does Corbin Bleu playing Seaweed.

Alexa's been in the spotlight thanks to DWTS and her husband Carlos is playing Kenickie in GREASE LIVE. Corbin Bleu has his own fanbase, as well.

jacobsnchz14 said: "Alexa Penavega has experience playing Penny, as does Corbin Bleu playing Seaweed.

Alexa's been in the spotlight thanks to DWTS and her husband Carlos is playing Kenickie in GREASE LIVE. Corbin Bleu has his own fanbase, as well.

"

I saw Alexa on Broadway and she was honestly the worst Penny I saw. (I saw 4 or 5 penny's throughout the Broadway run including understudies). Though, based on your reasons - DWTS, previous experience - she probably already has a foot in the door. I hope they go with someone else, though.

My thoughts on casting/character:

Divine's Edna was not intended to be "Gee, that's a man playing a women" so much as "Sheesh, that is one ugly slob of a woman." Then through the course of the film the audience realizes that, despite their appearances (which the audience pre-judged), the Turnblads had more class than just about anyone else in the story. I felt that was what John Waters was trying to depict. This is why I so disliked John Travolta's portrayal. He was made up to look "pretty" and played it with a cutesy voice that were totally wrong for that character.

The big problem I had with Zac Efron as Link is that I never once believed that his Link loved Tracy. I totally believed that Michael St. Gerard's Link loved Tracy. Efron's Link loved Link.

wonderfulwizard11 said: "I adore Patti, but vocally I don't think she's right for Velma. Patti's voice is a little lower and smokier now that she's older, which isn't really where Velma's material sits. Plus, she doesn't really embody the bleach blonde former beauty queen. Krakowski, on the other hand, is such a perfect choice that I can't see anyone else playing the part now. She would nail it."

"I respectfully disagree...I saw Patti in concert a couple of years ago and while her voice is a little smokier with age now, she was still able to hit some major high notes in her belt. And let's be honest, nobody plays a diva better than Patti. I do agree with you that Krakowski would kill it though, so I'm anxious to see who they cast! Let's hope it is someone with some theater chops, unlike many of the Wiz cast. Anyways, I'm so excited nonetheless. :)

everyone stop suggesting Ariana. she is releasing a new album next month. she'll be on a world tour to promote this new album by the time Hairspray comes around. not happening

Austin McKenzie would make a great Link!

Patti LuPone is nearing 70 years-old. Some of you really need to think realistically about what you're suggesting. Benanti or Krakowski, now those are appropriate and good choices.

Not to be a HairHopper or anything, but IMO this is so tiring. Everyone will get so excited, the hype starts already for a "hit" almost a year away; all sorts of dream casts are imagined as if it matters. NBC will hire 6 or so "names" to come in and work for 10 minutes between commercials...what makes me happy is this; a star will be born overnight (maybe) playing Tracy, a good chorus, dancers and ensemble will get hired giving a lot of people jobs for a while. Everyone will love it or hate it.

But everyday before then its "Hamilton cast uses toilet paper!" Don't get me wrong,I loved Hamilton but I hope you see my point.

Just remember we will elect a new President before this airs.

Go ahead and hate me now; I can take it.

I can't see why she would. Not only is it a pretty minuscule part, Janney is on a hit TV show and will likely be filming that when this is in rehearsals. She's great in the movie, but there's no reason for her to come back.

Plannietink08 said: "So we're all agreed that we'd give Allison Janney another go at Penny's Mother/Female Authority Figure?"

I think the consensus has been that Jackie Hoffman should reprise her role from the original Broadway cast.

I hope they don't cast Harvey. Hairspray is already too fresh in the mind for me, with memories of the OBC and film still recent enough. I want someone new so this doesn't feel like a tired rehash.