Only Jennifer Hudson, who played Motormouth Maybelle, found the real strength of this Tony Award-winning musical, delivering a knockout rendition of “I Know Where I’ve Been,” a gospel-infused power number, late in the show. The broadcast, though, didn’t generate as much power as it could have because of all the shots of the cast members golf-carting from one set to another, of viewing parties in various cities and so on. The Shows Must Go On!, which recently has streamed several free full-length recordings of Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals and tributes, is offering the online shows for free while encouraging people to donate to various arts charities helping during the coronavirus pandemic.For “Hairspray Live!” on Wednesday night, NBC lassoed some talented performers with fine singing voices but sacrificed cohesion by cramming the evening with too much interstitial fluff.īased on the 1988 John Waters film, the musical’s story of social outcasts and racial barriers is set in 1962, and it should amaze and distress us with its continued relevance in 2016.

To donate to The Actors Fund COVID-19 Emergency Financial Assistance program, visit. Several former 'Hairspray' stars recently took part in a virtual reunion to give a jubilant performance of 'You Can't Stop the Beat' to raise money for The Actors Fund. Chenoweth said on social media that the televised musical was some of the most fun she ever had. The all-star cast includes Oklahoma native Kristin Chenoweth, Harvey Fierstein, Ariana Grande, Derek Hough, Jennifer Hudson and Martin Short. The three-hour live event was directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon and features choreography from Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell. 'Hairspray Live!' tells the inspiring story of Tracy Turnblad (newcomer Maddie Baillio), a plump teen in 1962 Baltimore who wins a spot on a local TV dance program and ignites a campaign to integrate the show. The YouTube channel The Shows Must Go On! is streaming this weekend NBC's star-studded 2016 production of 'Hairspray Live!'

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