HAIRSPRAY is next NBC Musical...

[MichelleCraig]

http://deadline.com/2016/01/hairspray-live-musical-nbc-1201682009/

[bdn223]

Called it!!!!

In all honesty it is the perfect show for a live staged production. The shows settings are very static, so there should not be issues with set pieces. The show can easily be stunt cast, as there is a large set of principles. Last and not least, there will be no pressure to mount a revival unlike Sound of Music, Peter Pan, and The Wiz which hadn't been seen on Broadway in over 15-30 years.

Also this will hopefully allow people to see the true second act since the movie thoroughly butchered the plot.

[FindingNamo]

It's about time.  

[ucjrdude902]

For the record, Greenblatt just said the deal isn't finalized however it is close.

Casting suggestions/hopes in 3...2...1.....GO! 

[Broadway kid 2]

ucjrdude902 said: "For the record, Greenblatt just said the deal isn't finalized however it is close.

 

Casting suggestions/hopes in 3...2...1.....GO! 

 

"

 

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Interesting choice considering that both Zadan & Meron produced the 2007 film adaptation.

[Kad]

I can't imagine Tracy not being an unknown actress.

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

A safe choice that has the possibility of being very, very successful. Good luck to the production team.

[Borstalboy]

Can we get a real drag queen this time?

[cglaid]

Queen Latifah.

[ucjrdude902]

Here's what I think NBC/Zadan and Meron learned from "The Wiz." You cast an unknown, make them a star and give them a really strong supporting cast. Or at lest that seems to be the direction they'll take again.

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

^That's what they did when they made the 2007 film adaptation.

[darquegk]

I also think they learned that The Wiz drew a sizable black audience that the relatively "white" first choices did not. This show strikes a happy medium, is current and popular, and has significant roles for theatre vets, stars and newcomers alike. 

[Kavana]

Cute & safe   

[RW3]

Jeffrey Karasarides said: "^That's what they did when they made the 2007 film adaptation.

And that clearly didn't work out. So they just have to be really careful and surround the actress with a good team.

 

[Kad]

What do you mean "clearly didn't work out"? The film was a great success, financially and critically, and even snagged a SAG nomination for its ensemble.

[Scarywarhol]

It was also a clear commercial success,

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

Even though Nikki Blonsky clearly disappeared from the spotlight after the film.

[RW3]

Kad said: "What do you mean "clearly didn't work out"? The film was a great success and even snagged a SAG nomination for its ensemble. "

By "clearly didn't work out" I meant Nikki Blonsky. She was an unknown and was relevant when she was announced and shortly after the film was released. But, her career afterward didn't continue. Thus, choosing an unknown doesn't always work out.

[ozjust4]

I hope Harvey Fierstein plays Edna!!

[disneybroadwayfan22]

OH MY GOD YESSSSSSS

[AKarp2013]

This news has me head over heals!!! One of my favorite musicals of all time. What I'm hoping for is that we will finally get a proper complete recording of the full Broadway score. I love the OBCR, but it isn't the full score nor the revised lyrics and orchestrations, since it was recorded prior to its previews on Broadway.

[HenryTDobson]

RW3 said: "Kad said: "What do you mean "clearly didn't work out"? The film was a great success and even snagged a SAG nomination for its ensemble. "

 

By "clearly didn't work out" I meant Nikki Blonsky. She was an unknown and was relevant when she was announced and shortly after the film was released. But, her career afterward didn't continue. Thus, choosing an unknown doesn't always work out.

 

"

Nikki Blonsky's non-career says more about the industry than it does about her talent and ability to be a star. 

[Jeffrey Karasarides]

ozjust4 said: "I hope Harvey Fierstein plays Edna!!"

 

Along Billy Crystal as Wilbur and/or Neil Patrick Harris as Corny Collins?

[Scarywarhol]

RW3 said: "Kad said: "What do you mean "clearly didn't work out"? The film was a great success and even snagged a SAG nomination for its ensemble. "

 

By "clearly didn't work out" I meant Nikki Blonsky. She was an unknown and was relevant when she was announced and shortly after the film was released. But, her career afterward didn't continue. Thus, choosing an unknown doesn't always work out.

 

"

 

Sure as hell worked out for the project, which is what is being discussed.

 

[DAME]

Cool.  I am happy for this.  They need to right the wrong of that awful movie they did with the gummy bear as Edna.