Kristin Chenoweth, Sean Hayes to Host HAIRSPRAY LIVE Pre-Show; NBC to Air Live Viewing Parties Throughout the Broadcast

Stars Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes will take viewers on a guided tour of everything involved in putting together NBC's highly anticipated telecast of HAIRSPRAY LIVE with the "Countdown to Hairspray Live!" special set for Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT.

From the backlot of the world famous Universal Studios Hollywood, Chenoweth and Hayes will give audiences one-of-a-kind backstage access to the fun and fast-paced world of "Hairspray Live!" Beginning with the first open casting call to the final rehearsal, the special will explore what it takes to create a live television musical event.

Viewers will experience never-before-seen access to "Hairspray Live!," from set and costume design, to choreography and rehearsals with the cast, as well as a final look at the last-minute preparations before the 8 p.m. ET live broadcast. The special will be available on participating NBC stations.

Several markets across the country are welcoming in the '60s with fun and family-friendly watch parties, featuring special guests and '60s-themed activities for local fans. Five parties hosted by NBC owned and Affiliate stations will be featured live during the broadcast of "Hairspray Live!" - WBAL-TV in Baltimore, KPRC-TV in Houston, WCAU-TV in Philadelphia, WXIA-TV in Atlanta and KSL-TV in Salt Lake City.

Along with Chenoweth and Hayes, "Hairspray Live!" stars Harvey Fierstein, Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Martin Short, Derek Hough, Dove Cameron, Garrett Clayton, Ephraim Sykes, Shahadi Wright Joseph, newcomer Maddie Baillio, and special guest stars Andrea Martin, Billy Eichner and Rosie O'Donnell.

In "Hairspray Live!," 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, and she eventually encourages Tracy on her campaign to integrate the all-white "Corny Collins Show."

Emmy Award-winning live television director Alex Rudzinski ("Dancing with the Stars") will join Tony Award-winning director Kenny Leon ("The Wiz Live!") for the Dec. 7 live telecast. Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Oscar-winning "Chicago," "The Wiz Live!") serve as executive producers of "Hairspray Live!" Harvey Fierstein will also provide a new teleplay and Tony winner Jerry Mitchell ("Kinky Boots," "On Your Feet") will serve as choreographer for the live production with music and lyrics by Tony winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman ("Smash," the upcoming feature "Mary Poppins Returns" and the Broadway-bound "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory").

Photo by: Brian Bowen Smith/NBC