BWW TV: Tracy Turnblads Everywhere! The Search Begins for HAIRSPRAY LIVE!'s Star

By: Apr. 30, 2016
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The cast of NBC's HAIRSPRAY LIVE! is starting to come together! As BroadwayWorld reported earlier this week, Jennifer Hudson, Harvey Fierstein, Martin Short and Derek Hough will headline the network's next live Broadway musical holiday event following the phenomenal success of "The Wiz Live!"

There are still many parts yet to be cast (or at least announced), including the star of the show, Tracy Turnblad. Hundreds of girls turned up for an open call over the weekend to show Telsey + Company what they could do. Below, hear from some of the ladies and from casting director Bernie Telsey himself!

Based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, "Hairspray Live!" takes place in 1962 Baltimore. Teenager Tracy Turnblad's dream is to dance on "The Corny Collins Show," a local TV program. When, against all odds, Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight and meets a colorful array of characters, including the resident dreamboat, Link; the ambitious mean girl, Amber; an African-American boy she meets in detention, Seaweed; and his mother, Motormouth Maybelle, the owner of a local record store. Tracy's mother is the indomitable Edna Turnblad, and she eventually encourages Tracy on her campaign to integrate the all-white "Corny Collins Show."



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