The Beat Goes On: An In-Depth Look at the History of HAIRSPRAY!

The countdown continues! NBC's HAIRSPRAY LIVE! will air Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, featuring newcomer Maddie Baillio as Tracy Turnblad, Harvey Fierstein as Edna Turnblad, Jennifer Hudson as Motormouth Maybelle, Martin Short as Wilbur Turnblad, Derek Hough as Corny Collins, Ariana Grande as Penny Pingleton, Andrea Martin as Prudy Singleton and Kristin Chenoweth as Velma Von Tussle. Rosie O'Donnell and Sean Hayes will also make special appearances.

The broadcast will continue a long tradition of HAIRSPRAY- from the original vision of John Waters to Broadway and far beyond. Below, check out an in depth look at a history of HAIRSPRAY!