NBC’s “Hairspray Live” has cast Sean Hayes and Rosie O’Donnell in the upcoming live musical, it was announced on Tuesday at the Television Critics Association summer press tour.
Hayes will play Mr. Pinky, the dress shop owner, while O’Donnell has been cast as the sadistic, creepy gym teacher who torments Tracy Turnblad.
Hayes is best known for his role on the hit sitcom “Will & Grace” as well as in the 2016 stage show “An Act of God.” O’Donnell is known for her stand up comedy, roles in films like “A League of Their Own,” and for her time as a panelist on “The View.”
“Hairspray Live” will star Maddie Baillio as Turnblad, the girl who wants nothing more than to dance on the “Corny Collins Show.”
It also stars Harvey Fierstein, who will re-create his iconic Tony Award-winning role as Edna; Oscar, Golden Globe and SAG Award winner Jennifer Hudson as Maybelle; Arianna Grande as Penny Pingleton; Emmy and Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth as Velma Von Tussle; Tony and Emmy winner Martin Short as Tracy’s father Wilbur; and Emmy winner Derek Hough as Collins.
Craig Zadan and Neil Meron serve as executive producers. Fierstein will also provide a new teleplay and Tony winner Jerry Mitchell will serve as choreographer for the live production with music and lyrics by Tony winners Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.
“Hairspray Live!” will air Dec. 7 at 8/7c on NBC.