Can’t stop, won’t stop the beat! NBC released the first teaser on Friday, August 19, for its upcoming special Hairspray Live! and it’s positively sparkling with star power.
The 30-second spot, set to debut during the network’s Olympics coverage on Friday, shows the cast in costume for the first time, dressed to the nines in colorful (and, in some cases, bedazzled) suits and dresses.
“From the network that ushered in live TV musicals comes the next big thing!” a voice says over clips from The Sound of Music Live! and Peter Pan Live!, NBC’s first two specials. Then, as if summoned, Harvey Fierstein appears in all his glory as Edna Turnblad, glares at the camera and says in a raspy baritone, “Excuse me?”
Brief glimpses of other characters follow: Jennifer Hudson as Motormouth Maybelle, Ariana Grande as Penny Pingleton, Martin Short as Wilbur Turnblad, Derek Hough as Corny Collins, Kristin Chenoweth as Velma Von Tussle, Dove Cameron as Amber Von Tussle, and Garrett Clayton as Link Larkin. Last, but not least, newcomer Maddie Baillio makes her debut as the show’s leading lady, Tracy Turnblad.
All the while, the musical’s closing number, “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” plays in the background.
Hairspray Live! is NBC’s fourth live musical. The Sound of Music Live!, starring Carrie Underwood as Maria, premiered on December 5, 2013, followed by the Allison Williams–led Peter Pan Live! in December 2014. Most recently, Common, Amber Riley, Uzo Aduba, Ne-Yo, Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah and Shanice Williams performed in 2015’s The Wiz Live!.
Hairspray Live! airs on NBC Wednesday, December 7, at 8 p.m. ET.
