US TV Network NBC is busy readying its next live musical event, and this time they’re going for a pretty modern one, with a television event featuring Hairspray. The cast already includes Jennifer Hudson, Harvey Fierstein, Kristin Chenoweth, Ariana Grande, Martin Short, as well as newcomer Maddie Baillio in the central role of Tracy Turnblad.
Now a couple of more have joined the throng, with Rosie O’Donnell and Sean Hayes signing on to star, according to Variety. Hayes is set to be Mr. Pinky, owner of Mr. Pinky’s Hefty Hideaway, while O’Donnell will play the role of the gym teacher.
Hairspray follows teenager Tracy, who becomes part of a fight to integrate a local Baltimore dance TV show, which normally only allows black people on once a month, during ‘Negro Day’. Mr. Pinky arrives on the scene after Tracy becomes a dancer on the show, as he wants her to be the spokesperson for his shop.
The live event is scheduled to happen in December.