TV News

Catch Ariana Grande, Kristin Chenoweth, Harvey Fierstein, and More in Hairspray Live!

Newcomer Maddie Baillio stars as Tracy Turnblad in NBC’s TV musical.

Maddie Baillio will stars as Tracy Turnblad in NBC's Hairspray Live!.
Maddie Baillio stars as Tracy Turnblad in NBC's Hairspray Live!
(© Virginia Sherwood/NBC)

NBC's broadcast of Hairspray Live! will air tonight. Tune in at 8 p.m. eastern time.

Hairspray's cast is led by newcomer Maddie Baillio in the role of Tracy Turnblad and original Broadway Tony winner Harvey Fierstein, who is reprising his performance as Edna. They are joined by 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), Rosie O'Donnell (the gym teacher), Andrea Martin (Prudy Pingleton), Ephraim Sykes (Seaweed), and Shahadi Wright Joseph (Little Inez).

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, produce the live television edition. Tony-winning The Wiz Live! director Kenny Leon takes 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.