‘Hairspray’ To Be Next Live Musical Airing On NBC
Hairspray has been chosen as the next live musical to air on NBC! According to Us Weekly, the network made the announcement on Wednesday, just a couple of weeks after The Wiz aired.
“I am happy to say that we are hopefully going to produce a live new movie of Hairspray next December,” said NBC entertainment head Bob Greenblatt.
As far as casting goes (please let Zac Efron reprise his role as Link!), Greenblatt says that no deals have been inked just yet.
Hairspray (2007) pic.twitter.com/2oWI2n7gzQ
— films (@rtyourfavefilms) January 13, 2016
“We have dream casting, but it’s too early,” Greenblatt said. He was then asked about bringing on actors from the film, Greenblatt said, “We haven’t even gotten that far, but I don’t think we’re going to replicate the movie.”
The 2007 film remake of Hairspray also featured John Travolta (as Edna Turnblad), Nikki Blonsky (as Tracy Turnblad), Michelle Pheiffer (as Velma Von Tussle), and Christopher Walken (as Wilbur Turnblad). Other celebs that rounded out the cast included Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, Queen Latifah, and Brittany Snow.
The one exception to not being like the movie? Travolta.
“Oh sure, we’d take John Travolta. He did it. I don’t think that’s a possibility, but we’d be thrilled to have John Travolta,” said Greenblatt.
Hairspray (2007) pic.twitter.com/2oWI2n7gzQ
— films (@rtyourfavefilms) January 13, 2016
Hairspray fans have also been making their suggestions for which actors they’d like to see as a part of the live production. Since the film was quite perfectly cast, this might become a challenge for NBC in the coming weeks.
Hairspray tells the story of a young girl named Tracy Turnblad who auditions for a spot on the ever-popular “Corny Collins Show.” The bubbly, fun-loving dancing and singing star uses her overnight celebrity to do something great. She decides to start a campaign to integrate the show.
Set in the 60s, Hairspray offers some pretty groovy song and dance numbers to go along with a feel-good plot line about acceptance and love. The musical score is a favorite amongst musical lovers, especially catchy tunes like Good Morning, Baltimore,The Nicest Kids In Town, and Ladies’ Choice.
Fans are all over social media with excitement following the live musical announcement.
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According to Entertainment Weekly, Greenblatt was asked about the decision to choose Hairspray as the next live musical, and he seems confident about the decision.
“People have been saying to me since The Wiz, ‘Do this show, do that show.’ I’ve heard obscure titles and famous titles. Not everything’s going to be a big name to the whole audience. I don’t think there’s an infinite number of these that can be done. But we’re still doing it,” he said.
So far, NBC has had some pretty great success with these live musicals. They air around the holidays, which makes them perfect for family gatherings and viewings. Many people seem to truly enjoy these specials, and each one has been just as good as the one before.
“The production will follow NBC’s hugely successful The Wiz Live, 2013 hit A Sound of Music Live, and 2014’s comparatively disappointing Peter Pan Live. [Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron] have been behind each of NBC’s previous live musical efforts.”
[Image via New Line Cinema]
