Broadway's Darren Criss to Take Hairspray Live! Viewers Behind the Scenes

As a multiplatform host, Criss will appear on the telecast while also hosting a multi-camera production on Facebook Live.

Bethany Rickwald
Darren Criss will serve as Hairspray Live!'s multiplatform host.
Darren Criss will serve as Hairspray Live!'s multiplatform host.
(© David Gordon)

Broadway alum Darren Criss (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) will gives viewers of NBC's Hairspray Live! backstage access as the evening's multiplatform host. Criss' coverage will include a behind-the-scenes look at all things Hairspray Live! as well as glimpses into live viewing parties around the country, as he updates the telecast with live news of the activities backstage while also serving as host of a multi-camera production on Facebook Live.

The digital companion show will feature 35 unique camera angles of what's happening behind the scenes of the broadcast as it happens, special access to the cast for their take on making this live spectacle come to fruition, Hairspray facts, and other digital extras. In addition, at 7:30 pm, Criss will be making appearances on The Countdown to Hairspray Live! special to see how the cast and crew are preparing for the telecast. The show will be hosted by co-stars Kristin Chenoweth and Sean Hayes.

Hairspray features a Tony-winning score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and a Tony-winning book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan. Based on the film by John Waters, it tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, an overweight Baltimore teen with dreams of landing a spot on a TV dance show and bringing racial integration with her.

Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, who produced the 2007 movie-musical version of Hairspray, will produce the live television edition. The Wiz Live! director Kenny Leon will take the helm, with Alex Rudzinski (Grease Live) directing for television. Jerry Mitchell will repeat his duties from the Broadway mounting as choreographer. Original Hairspray composer-lyricists Shaiman and Wittman are also on the team for the live work.

Newcomer Maddie Baillio leads the cast in the role of Tracy Turnblad, with original Broadway Tony winner Harvey Fierstein reprising his performance as Edna, along with Garrett Clayton (Link Larkin), Ariana Grande (Penny Pingleton), Dove Cameron (Amber Von Tussle), Jennifer Hudson (Motormouth Maybelle), Martin Short (Wilbur Turnblad), Derek Hough (Corny Collins), Kristin Chenoweth (Velma Von Tussle), Sean Hayes (Mr. Pinky), Andrea Martin (Prudy Pingleton), and Rosie O'Donnell (Gym Teacher).