Harvey Fierstein will appear in ‘Hairspray Live!’

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April 26, 2016 | Arts / Entertainment

Harvey Fierstein will appear in ‘Hairspray Live!’

NBC, which aired The Wiz Live! in November, has announced that its next live production will be Hairspray.

Even better, Harvey Fierstein, who played Edna Turnblad (pictured) in the original Broadway production, will reprise his role as the main character's loving mother. (In the movie version of the play, John Travolta played Edna.)

“Harvey Fierstein created the role of Edna Turnblad on Broadway in an indelible Tony-winning performance that demanded to be memorialized on film, and we’re happy he wanted to step into her shoes one last, unforgettable time,” Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of NBC Entertainment, said.

He added, "We’re also so grateful that the incomparable Jennifer Hudson will play Motormouth Maybelle and we know her rendition of ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ will literally stop the show.”

Fierstein will also be writing the script for the NBC special.

The show takes place in 1962 Baltimore. Edna’s daughter, Tracy Turnblad, wins a spot on “The Corny Collins Show," but risks her chances of becoming a local celeb by fighting to have the show allow dancers from different races.

Hairspray Live! is set to air Wednesday, December 7, on NBC.

April 26, 2016 | Arts / Entertainment

Harvey Fierstein will appear in ‘Hairspray Live!’

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