Diana DeGarmo Will Make Broadway Debut in Hairspray, Then Will Tour in Brooklyn

Former American Idol finalist Diana DeGarmo will take over the role of Penny Pingleton in the Broadway production of Hairspray from February 7 through May 14, replacing Tracey Miller.

After leaving Hairspray, DeGarmo will headline the national tour of Brooklyn: The Musical, to be directed by Jeff Calhoun. The tour is scheduled to begin in June at the Bushnell Center in Hartford, Connecticut; DeGarmo will play the title role and the cast will also include Tony Award winner Melba Moore. No other casting has yet been announced

DeGarmo was the runner-up to Fantasia in the 2004 season of American Idol. Since her appearance on the series, she has released a CD titled Blue Skies, toured with other members of the show in concert, and starred in West Side Story at the American Musical Theatre of San Jose.