Jennifer Hudson, Harvey Fierstein to Lead Cast of NBC's ‘Hairspray Live!'

Jennifer Hudson and Harvey Fierstein will headline the cast of NBC's "Hairspray Live!" on Dec. 7.

Based on the cult John Waters movie set in 1960s Baltimore, the show concerns the full-figured Tracy Turnblad whose fondest wish is to appear on a local television dance program.

Hudson, who will play Motormouth Maybelle, is currently in the Broadway revival of "The Color Purple." She won an Oscar and Golden Globe in 2007 in the hit film "Dreamgirls."

Fierstein, who is also writing the teleplay, will play Edna Turnblad, Tracy's mother, a role he created and won a Tony Award for in the stage version of "Hairspray."

"We are beyond thrilled with this incredibly talented duo of stars for 'Hairspray Live!,'" said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment. "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."

The new live musical will be directed for TV by Alex Rudzinski, who helmed "Grease Live!" Kenny Leon will direct the stage show.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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