Similar toGrease,Hairspraywill break out of the proscenium and utilize the Universal studio backlot to recreate 1960s Baltimore.
Harvey worked out really great places in the script to include them, he mentioned.
Chenoweth said mean mom Velma is a role she wanted to tackle during the shows earliest pre-Broadway plans.
Credit: NBCUniversal
I guess now its the right time.
Im working on my splits and my twirling.
Grande was too young, too albeit to play even Penny during the shows original run.
But having got her start on Broadway, the pop stars participation was long in the works.
I never thought it would actually happen, Grande said.
Its kind of surreal for me to even be a part of this.
I got to see the original Broadway cast, which was incredible.
I think I was 10 or 11 so yes, way too young.
But…every time Harvey speaks, my heart bursts.
A light goes off inside my heart.
Kristin Chenoweth, were soul mates.
I dont even know whats happening.
My theater geek inside, which is what I am, I cant take it.
Its very overwhelming, very exciting.
And Pennys been my favorite character since my start…
Pop music is fun, but this is way more fun.
I think one of the thrills is that Ariana wanted to play that role as written, said Meron.
Grande added, I dont want to change anything about the role or how she develops.
I love Penny and its just such a great honor to play.
I dont want any sort of special icing.
So now, are you crazy?
Youre really going to do this on live television!?
Because thats like opening night happening on television.
I knew that, singing live, this is what youre born to do.
Shes got it, right?
And you looked down and you were like, Hello!
And that was our one meeting.
And now here I sit, and Im very, very honored.
This one blew me away yesterday, Hudson said.
I sat at the table [read] and my life was changed.
I was so inspired.
Ive never heard nobody sing like that.
Hairspray Live!airs Dec. 7 on NBC.
