"Hairspray" film cast
"Hairspray" film cast
#0"Hairspray" film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 12:25amI had just read (I'll find the source again and post it) the roles that were already cast in the film. Travolta, as we all knew, Crystal, Meryl Streep as Velma, Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle and they are still looking for the others, I believe there is an open call in Canada. Still seems no Tracey, Penny, Seaweed or Lil Inez - I think they cast Link but I don't recall who. I'll check it again and post the link (no pun intended, LOL!)
Swiftynifty15
Broadway Star Joined: 9/18/04
DramaDork925
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/4/05
#2re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 12:42amThere are open calls in NY, Atlanta and Chicago
Fosse76
Broadway Legend Joined: 3/21/05
#3re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 12:53amAs far as I know, NO ONE has been officially cast.
#4re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 1:03amIs Penny included in the open auditions?
The choice may have been mistaken, The choosing was not... "Every day has the potential to be the greatest day of your life." - Lin-Manuel Miranda
#5re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 1:09am
I cannot seem to find the article I had read just now, But Penny was still being cast it said. I found this other bit here - however, the one I am still looking for sure sounded definative. You can check this one out and I'll keep looking for the other.
http://www.hollywood.com/movies/fulldetail/id/3464464
DramaDork925
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/4/05
#6re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 1:09amNo, just Tracy, Little Inez and Seaweed.
#8re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 1:31amI had the same initial reaction but it could be worse, Glenn Close you know?
NYC4Life
Broadway Star Joined: 1/23/06
#9re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 1:40amMeryl Streep is a great singer and actress. Whats the problem?
#10re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 1:52am
It just seems unlike her to take that role. Don't get me wrong she can do anything, but it seemed an odd choice for a cream of the crop actress to take a role originated by Debbie Harry.
Updated On: 1/29/06 at 01:52 AM
Link Larkin Wanabe
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/1/04
#11re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 2:21am
Hopefully they are looking for a Link that's from Toronto where they are filming.... 
Akiva
#12re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 4:56amRegarding Meryl, I simply didn't think she would desire that role - like perhaps a tad too small for her? I dunno, Just struck me awkward. She can sing! (And Act, maybe dance too - wouldn't doubt it!)
#13re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 5:41am
OK jimmirae, look for the other article you're referring to. The link you posted here lists Harvey Fierstein AND John Travolta (huh?), Marissa Jaret Winokur is listed also. Post a reliable source then we can speak further.
-Kad
"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)
#14re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 10:51am
The only substantial names are the ones listed by Variety in the beginning, which are John Travolta (Edna,) Billy Crystal (Wlibur,) and Queen Latifah (Motormouth Maybelle.) These same three names came up again with the announcement of the casting call, but even so, they still aren't confirmed.
Tony Kushner: You can sing it at my funeral.
Ruprecht2
Chorus Member Joined: 7/6/05
#15re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 12:11pmI DO NOT LIKE HOW JOHN TRAVOLTA IS BEING EDNA! UGH! IT DOESN'T WORK IN MY OPINION! HE'S NOT... EDNA! IT SHOULD BE HARVEY!! AHHHHHH I DONT' LIKE IT! RAHHHHH!!!!!
#16re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 12:31pm
Calm Down, Charlie Brown.
Travolta (although not my favorite choice) is a very versatile and talented actor. Besides, he did play Barbara Sriesand on SNL once! It probably won't be all bad. We can't do anything about it anyway.
popcultureboy
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/23/03
#17re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 12:35pmMeryl Streep is actually a pretty inspired choice for Velma. She's really displayed a great comic sensibility of late (more than making up for Death Becomes Her). I think she'd be fantastic.
#18re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 12:35pmIf you've got Queen Latifah and Billy Crystal, you DO NOT need John Travolta because you already have the star quality! Harvey won a tony for the role and has done movies and would be so great in this movie. John Travolta's last movie didn't even do that well, did it? Is anyone else having trouble picturing Billy and John together during Timeless to Me? It just seems so akward. John seems like such a weird choice. He can play corney or something, but please not Edna!!!
greenegirl87
Broadway Legend Joined: 10/11/05
#19re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 12:38pm
"Besides, he did play Barbara Sriesand on SNL once! "
I can't tell you how much I laughed when I read that! Obviously, if he can do Streisand he's going to be a fabulous Edna.
On a more serious note, I am kind of excited about Travolta, as interesting as some of the parts he plays are, I think he is very talented and will be excited to see him do some of the things he did in his "younger" days again.
bwayondabrain
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/20/05
#20re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 12:40pm
so, that article IS official?
pretty cool!
but why are marissa and harvey still listed. are they having cameos?
#21re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 12:41pmYou all seem to forget that even if the film's producers felt a need to even consider our opinions, Harvey will be in Vegas doing Hairspray for the next three months. Sorry folks, his dance card is full.
popcultureboy
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/23/03
#22re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 12:42pm
John Travolta's last movie didn't even do that well, did it?
He hasn't really had a well received movie in almost six years now. Be Cool wasn't a disaster but it wasn't a runaway success either.
#23re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 12:50pmRegardless of how successful his movies have been...people know and love him and are going to want to see him...especially in this.
#24re: 'Hairspray' film cast
Posted: 1/29/06 at 2:12pm
I'll tell you what -- if Harvey Fierstein was cast I most likely wouldn't bother going to the movie. I don't understand the appeal of a man who simply CANNOT sing in musicals. Yes, he can write. Yes, he can be funny. No amount of argument is going to convince me that he can sing - or that his "unique" voice works in character. That's absurd. Not that American Idol is the height of singing quality, but can you IMAGINE what the judges would have said if he walked into the room and auditioned???
Travolta can sing. We know that. Travolta can dance. We know that. Travolta is a NAME which is going to be needed for that role, regardless of who else is in the movie. I think this is great casting.
Definitely beats Depp as Sweeney Todd (I still hope I was dreaming that one).
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