Harvey Fierstein, Jennifer Hudson Star in HAIRSPRAY LIVE!

[WayTooBroadway]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:12pm

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

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:15pm

YESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYESYES

 

As if my day couldn't get any better

[ZellMorrowsPledge]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:18pm

Perfect.

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:21pm

Wow, that's a cast! Locking the two of them will also ensure they attract top talent to fill the rest of the roles. I can't believe Fierstein's performance will be immortalized, this is incredible!

Updated On: 4/25/16 at 01:21 PM

[IdinaBellFoster]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:22pm

YAAAAAAAAAAAAS this is perfect.

 

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

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:22pm

And this must have Jackie Hoffman!

[asmith0307]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:22pm

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

[AKarp2013]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:23pm

Absolutely fantastic!!! I also love the fact that they have enlisted Alex Rudzinski has the director! Everybody credits Tommy Kail for directing Grease Live and he did a wonderful job but it was Rudzinski who gave the show the unbelievable camera work.

[PJPan]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:24pm

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.

[nasty_khakis]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:27pm

"And this must have Jackie Hoffman!"

From her lips to Telsey's ears...

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:28pm

To me, good choices.

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:29pm

Is anyone really surprised about Fierstein? It's the best decision in terms of cutting costs. He knows the part, and he's already being paid well for doing the TV adaptation so he'll be more willing to take it on the chin for earning a cheaper rate than a star would command. And this is saying nothing of the fact that as they're the same guys who produced the movie and unleashed John Travolta's "performance" on the world, they're less likely to take chances with star casting in that part on TV.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:35pm

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

[jimmycurry01]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:36pm

I figured that Firestein was a given, but I am happy that it is official. I am very pleased with both of these choices.

[DramaTeach]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:42pm

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...

[Broadwaystar2]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:47pm

AKarp2013 said: "Absolutely fantastic!!! I also love the fact that they have enlisted Alex Rudzinski has the director! Everybody credits Tommy Kail for directing Grease Live and he did a wonderful job but it was Rudzinski who gave the show the unbelievable camera work.

Kenny Leon lead director!

"

 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:48pm

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. 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:52pm

Except they all aren't need the entire time....if it was a big enough name, they'd find a way to make it work.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:54pm

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.

[BroadwayNYC2]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:56pm

Wish it wasn't Harvey. Looking forward to it, nonetheless 

[bdn223]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 1:58pm

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]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 2:01pm

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.

[Broadway kid 2]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 2:06pm

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.

 

"

 

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 2:08pm

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."

Big doesn't mean obese. They can add a little padded curves if they want. Also, if she had a child in her late teens, she could have a teenager. It's not a huge stretch as long as they don't cast a grown ass man as Seaweed.

 

"

 

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 4/25/16 at 2:10pm

Okay they just seriously got my interest now.