Harvey Fierstein, Jennifer Hudson Star in HAIRSPRAY LIVE! — Page 2

Broadway kid 2 said: "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.



"

BroadwayKid2--I notice that you always quote messages, but never really say anything after just quoting it. Is this just your way of saying "ditto"? Or are you just quoting to quote? (Not trying to be rude, I'm just confused as to why you don't write anything on most of your comments.)"

EDIT: My bad, I went back through the thread and saw that you posted a new comment. I have just seen many other threads where you quote and leave it empty.

Updated On: 4/25/16 at 02:10 PM

This doesn't air for 8 months. She's got time to gain a good 50 pounds for it.

Not gonna lie, a little annoyed with the Jennifer casting.

Instead of padding, hire one of the already talented large women to play the role - they are so few and far between.

I am so over the moon about Harvey! I honestly thought they would pass him over for a bigger name and am so delighted that they didn't. I'm also excited about this creative team! I have to admit, I was clearly wrong to dismiss the idea of them casting JHud when it was brought up previously on this board. I do think she's younger and slimmer than how the role is usually cast. But hey, it's acting. It's all make believe. If they present her as a big mother of a teenager in the show, I'll go with it. Can't wait to hear her slay this score.



P.S. The comments about Harvey's vocal decline make me laugh. We're not talking about Julie Andrews here.

Jshan05 said: "BroadwayKid2--I notice that you always quote messages, but never really say anything after just quoting it. Is this just your way of saying "ditto"? Or are you just quoting to quote? (Not trying to be rude, I'm just confused as to why you don't write anything on most of your comments.)"


This is one of my biggest pet peeves on this message board, TBH. I've asked him about it before with no response. Maybe it's his way of "retweeting" in a way.

Updated On: 4/25/16 at 03:33 PM

In John Waters' original "Hairspray" film, Ruth Brown, who was the original Motormouth Maybelle was 60 years old, Queen Latifah was 37 was she made the film. Jennifer Hudson is 34. I would think that this part would something amazing for an older black actress, Jenifer Lewis, Darlene Love or Patti Labelle to tackle. I also hope that the television producers have some places for the original film's cast also. Ricki Lake would be great as one of the teachers.

I'm thrilled about Jennifer Hudson but meh about Fierstein. I get the choice but I feel like there's a "been there, done that" feel to it

GiantsInTheSky2 said: ""The show is about being comfortable in ones own skin and being happy to be "pleasantly plump" as Tracy says. Having Jennifer wear padding defeats that purpose."

How exactly does it defeat the purpose? Even if the actress isn't naturally "bigger", if she looks it, and it has a positive affect on the viewing audience, then I don't see a problem.

There were actresses in the Broadway and Tour productions who were padded. Theatre is not real life.



"

It's about representation, having a big woman represent another big woman, so that young people can look up to her - and feel even more connected. Having said that, I agree that it only makes a difference for people who really love the piece and start to look into it. There's also no way of knowing whether or not another woman would've been a better choice, specially for the channel, since they want more viewers and it's hard to think of big, black women out there of appropriate age who are as big a draw (and that's really the key point here) and can sing and act.

Updated On: 4/26/16 at 01:51 AM

With respect to Hudson's age, she's at the low end of the range, but I don't think she comes as too young. Ten years ago, she played the mother of a nine-year old in the 2nd half of Dreamgirls, and no one complained. As for the older actresses suggested, most would be too old to be believable as the mother of Inez.



Not a fan of Fierstein for this; I've seen his Edna, and I'd now prefer to see someone else's. I'd love to see Ariana Grande as Penny. For Velma, does anyone know if Elizabeth Banks can sing?

Jeffrey Karasarides said: "For Velma I thought of:
Christina Applegate
Christine Baranski
Jane Krakowski
Megan Mullally"



Of these, I like Krakowski the best. Baranski is a little too old for the role.

Yes to Megan Mullally or Jane Krakowski! (both with past NBC ties)

While I'm glad Fierstein's performance will be preserved, this could be, um, interesting; he's in his 60s, in non-glam/frumpy drag and supposed to be playing the mother of a teen -- and it'll be broadcast in brightly-lit HD. (still excited though)

Um, I think we all called it when we saw the how brilliantly executed the GREASE Live broadcast was...