Harvey Fierstein, Jennifer Hudson Star in HAIRSPRAY LIVE!

Oscar, Golden Globe, SAG and Grammy Award-winner Jennifer Hudson and multiple Tony Award-winner Harvey Fierstein will headline the cast of NBC's "Hairspray Live!"

http://www.broadway.com/buzz/184638/jennifer-hudson-harvey-fierstein-will-lead-hairspray-live/

Updated On: 4/25/16 at 01:12 PM

Perfect.

YAAAAAAAAAAAAS this is perfect.



Also explains why Hudson would want to leave THE COLOR PURPLE and take a break

Yeah! Really excited for Harvey (AND JHud on "I Know Where I've Been"? Awesome.)

I'm really looking forward to Hudson!

I love love Harvey Fierstein, but his voice has certainly deteriorated in the last few years. I'm sure he'll be a joy to watch at the end of the day.

To me, good choices.

Wonderful news, but let's not overlook the fact they also got Alex Rudzinski from Grease Live on board. That's huge, because he seemed to be the only director of these live shows that actually made the format work. Whatever I may think about Grease as a musical, it was unquestionably the best live broadcast any of the networks have put together yet.

Updated On: 4/25/16 at 01:35 PM

Any rumors on the rest of the cast? We know Tracy will be a newbie and Fierstein, although having been in the business for a long time, isn't going to be a name that draws in lots of viewers, so it'll be interesting to see who they get for the other characters. Ariana as Penny would be inspired. Not her biggest fan, but she has a theater background, could sing it well, and would bring in lots of young viewers. Wonder if they can get her...

All these dream casting ideas are delicious but you all DO have to take in consideration the several months commitment required just for a one-night performance. I believe they begin rehearsals in late August for that early December broadcast. That's about a 4 month commitment. GREASE Live! did this as well. Many performers approached would love to take part in these live musicals but sadly, don't have the free time available to commit to the several months of rehearsals.

I adore Harvey, but man that singing voice is shot. I will have trouble listening to him sing for 2 hours. It's one of my least favorite things to listen to. It's ashame that John Pinette has passed-he was a terrific Edna.

Am I the only one who thinks Jennifer Hudson is too small and too young to be Motormouth Maybelle? Yes she can definitely sing the hell out of it, but she is suposed to be "BIG" Blonde and Beautiful.... Also I think she reads way too young for the role.

Cupid Boy2 said: "bdn223 said: "Am I the only one who thinks Jennifer Hudson is too small and too young to be Motormouth Maybelle? Yes she can definitely sing the hell out of it, but she is suposed to be "BIG" Blonde and Beautiful.... Also I think she reads way too young for the role."

Her size won't be a problem. They can pad her.



"

Okay they just seriously got my interest now.