Chenoweth: Hairspray Live is Perfect Timing Today, Other Cast Members Announced
Tony and Emmy Award-Winning Actress Kristin Chenoweth says that Hairspray Live’s Production is perfect timing.
“It’s also the perfect timing for the show, in our climate today, and our humanity… Not just as Americans, but as humans,” Chenoweth says during an interview by Access Hollywood.
Chenoweth is part of the cast of the new NBC’s musical production of Hairspray. She will be playing Velma Von Tussle, the role previously took on by Michelle Pfeiffer in the movie adaptation.
(READ: Kristin Chenoweth in NBC’s Hairspray Live!)
Recently, NBC announced more cast members for the musical. Among the new members are veteran actress Rosie O’Donnell as the gym teacher; Sean Hayes as Mr. Pinky, the owner of a woman’s clothing boutique who wanted Tracy as his spokesperson.
Adding to the list of big names in the cast is Ariana Grande, who will be playing Penny Pingleton, Tracy Turnblad’s loyal but endearingly persistent bestfriend. The role was given to Amanda Bynes in the 2007 film.
“Amazing! Everybody’s perfectly cast!” Chenoweth gushes when asked about the people.
Not only is she bringing her wealth of experience to the show, she is also playing big sister, and looking out for Maddie Baillio. “I’ve been talking to her a little bit, and…you’re life’s gonna change, but I really want you to go back to school when you’re done.” She also has high praises for Hairspray Live’s Tracy Turnblad, “The voice is clear as a bell, but more importantly, the heart is as big as this room.”
Aside from Hairspray Live, Chenoweth will also be seen in TV regularly. She has recently been cast in Bryan Fuller’s Starz series “American Gods,” and marks their reunion after the end of the series “Pushing Daisies.”
Chenoweth proudly proclaims of her being one of Fuller’s muses. She will be playing the role of Easter, one of the old gods. She will be acting alongside legends such as Gillian Anderson, Orlando Jones, and Cloris Leachman.
The series is based on Neil Gaiman’s novel of the same title.
