Grab your dancing shoes! Jennifer Hudson and Harvey Fierstein will star in NBC's upcoming live musical production Hairspray Live!, the network announced on Monday, April 25.
The American Idol alum, who nabbed an Oscar for 2006's Dreamgirls, will play Motormouth Maybelle, who owns a local record store. Fierstein, who is also writing the teleplay, will play Edna Turnblad, reprising the role that won him a Tony in 2003 for the musical's Broadway version.
“We are beyond thrilled with this incredibly talented duo of stars for Hairspray Live!” said NBC exec Robert Greenblatt in a statement. “Harvey Fierstein created the role of Edna Turnblad on Broadway in an indelible Tony-winning performance that demanded to be memorialized on film, and we’re happy he wanted to step into her shoes one last, unforgettable time."
"We’re also so grateful that the incomparable Jennifer Hudson will play Motormouth Maybelle, and we know her rendition of ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ will literally stop the show," Greenblatt continued.
Hairspray, based on the 1988 John Waters–directed film of the same name, is set in the 1960s and centers on teenager Tracy Turnblad's aspiration to dance on a local TV variety show called The Corny Collins Show. The role of Tracy has yet to be cast.
Hudson is currently starring in The Color Purple on Broadway, with her final performance set for May 8.
Hairspray Live! is the latest in a string of televised theatrical productions and follows such successes as Fox's Grease: Live! and NBC's The Wiz Live! Other upcoming projects include ABC's Dirty Dancing and Fox's Rocky Horror Picture Show, both of which will be taped.
Tell Us: What do you think of the Hairspray Live! casting choices so far?
Hairspray Live! airs on NBC Wednesday, December 7, at 8 p.m. ET.
