Ariana Grande cast as Penny in "Hairspray Live"

[justincharacter]

Huh? Are you mixing her up with Miley Cyrus? @Ranger

[smidge]

Ranger Tom said: "Well...she has a nice voice but was hoping for someone with real comedy chops.  Penny is an amazing part in the hands of a real comedian.  We'll see.  My worry is she'll just twerk her way thru it.

Are you  thinking of Miley Cyrus? I don't believe Miss Grande ever twerked. I see Arianna more as an Amber than a Penny, but Penny is the better singing role. It's a great cast. Do we have a Link yet?

 

 

 

[Mr. Nowack]

I never get the hate for her, I'm sure she'll be great! Super excited for this one, more than any of the other NBC shows.

[Valentina3]

Makes me realllly wish for the Cher as Prudey Singleton to be true

Or Madonna/Mariah Carey. Just for the sheer  entertainment value of a trainwreck they can be. *cue Patti Murin blog post*

Tina/Amy/Ana would be great. But if they didn't need an absolute star, I want Jackie Hoffman to be cast in that role. It will be phenomenal. Can you imagine how much fun it will be to see Harvey's Edna and Jackie's Prudey play off each other?

[slmlbl]

The wording of the Ariana press release says "We're absolutely thrilled to round out our all-star 'Hairspray Live!' cast with Ariana Grande. Does this mean the rest won't be "all-star" or am i reading too into it?

http://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Breaking-Ariana-Grande-Joins-Cast-of-HAIRSPRAY-LIVE-as-Penny-20160707

[CindersGolightly]

I think you may have something there.

[Hairspray0901]

Penny has always been my favorite character and I'm extremely disappointed with this casting. I would have picked anyone but her. Ugh. And they were doing so well, too.  

[BrockMButler]

Jen Simard as Prudy NEEDS to happen

[disneybroadwayfan22]

Jane Lynch as Prudy though 

[Liza's Headband]

CindersGolightly said: "Watch her on SNL. She is a real comedian. She elevated the show, made it the best it's been in years."

 

Most ridiculous thing I've read on this Board within the last few months, and that's not an easy accomplishment. 

[justincharacter]

Oh, please! Say what you want but many critics made the same statement Cinders did. That's why she's getting so much Emmy buzz. Even Spielberg caught her performance on the show and raved about it. Don't sit there and try to put down this girl when you know she's extremely talented. 

[Liza's Headband]

Critiquing talent is not measurable. It's objective. I don't "know" anything. 

[Mr. Nowack]

LIZA THAT WAS CINDERS' OPINION YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO CASTRATE HER OPINION IS NON DISPUTABLE I AM OUTRAGED

[Liza's Headband]

For the record: I typed "objective" but obviously meant "subjective." Also, hi Mr. Nowack. I'm honored to have someone who is as obsessed with me as I am with myself! Thanks for stalking me!  xo

[justincharacter]

LOL. Always pressed about something or someone. 

[Liza's Headband]

justincharacter said: "LOL. Always pressed about something or someone. "

 

Will you be attempting to have an intelligent discussion with me on this topic, or just smugly commentating on others from your glass house? 

[justincharacter]

Neither. 

[Mr. Nowack]

I don't stalk anyone, you just seem to permeate very single thread! Perhaps I would be wise to bid the Boards goodbye as so many great posters have in the face of trollery.

[Dancingthrulife2]

After seeing her performance in Screen Queen, I wouldn't get my hopes high.

[broadwayfreak4]

I've always dreamed of her somehow being Penny, and this could not be more perfect! Phenomenal casting so far! Now we need Seaweed, Link and Priudy.

[WestCoastActor/Director]

I wonder if they will risk having donuts on the craft services table...

[NOWaWarning]

After seeing her performance in Screen Queen, I wouldn't get my hopes high.

 

I felt like her part was so small and basic that it wasn't really a decent indication of how good or bad she is.

 

She did star on Nickelodeon for a few years, so I'm sure she will be adequate at least. It's not like  she's acting Hamlet or Mama Rose.

 

 

[CarlosAlberto]

I have news for you naysayer know it alls...Ariana Grande not only possesses an amazing voice but she has great comedic chops....and she has for quite some time. She held her own when she hosted SNL and she's gonna slay when she does Hairspray. 

So keep on thinking what you want to think but she will prove each and every one of you wrong when all is said and done.

Some of you are beyond obnoxious with your smugness.....sucks to be you

[CindersGolightly]

Completely agree, Carlos. One of my first thoughts was if they're trying to pen a new song for Penny now. I don't see where/how they'd do it, but I'd bet money that they're trying to find somewhere to put one.

[pupscotch]

CindersGolightly said: "Completely agree, Carlos. One of my first thoughts was if they're trying to pen a new song for Penny now. I don't see where/how they'd do it, but I'd bet money that they're trying to find somewhere to put one.

 

"

I sort of hope they don't. Not because I don't want her talent to go unrecognized, but the song they added to Grease was horrible, and it seems to be a similar situation. If the right people write the song, I could maybe get behind it though.

[gypsy101]

Wouldn't they probably have Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman write any new song for the production? Zadan and Meron have a relationship with them from the movie version of Hairspray and the show Smash so I'm sure they'll be involved with this production. I've actually thought in the past it would be kind of cool if Penny had a song and Ariana would be a good excuse for it, if they can find an appropriate place for it in the show. (the new song in Grease wasn't too bad of a song out of context but it didn't fit...for some reason they felt Carly Rae needed a song there)