Jennifer Hudson and Harvey Fierstein to Star in NBC’s ‘Hairspray Live’

16 hours ago | Variety - TV News | See recent Variety - TV News news »

Jennifer Hudson and Harvey Fierstein have signed on to NBC’s "Hairspray Live!,” the network’s next live Broadway musical.

Hudson will play Motormouth Maybelle, while Fierstein will play Edna Turnblad, the role he won a Tony for in the stage version. He will also write the teleplay.

“We are beyond thrilled with this incredibly talented duo of stars for 'Hairspray Live!,’” said NBC entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt. “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.”

Based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, “Hairspray Live!” takes place in 1962 Baltimore. Teenager »

- Debra Birnbaum

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