Hairspray Live has officially come to life as it went on air on NBC on Wednesday night. The live version of the theatrical musical showcased Maddie Baillio (in the lead), Harvey Fierstein, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson and Zac Effron, among others, ringing in the holiday spirit.
NBC's musical is a live adaptation of John Waters' 1988 movie titled Hairspray. The three-hour teleplay was penned by Harvey Fierstein, who also featured in the play, and was directed by Live television director Alex Rudzinski accompanied by director Kenny Leon. Other stars of the live telecast include Martin Short, Derek Hough, Kristin Chenoweth, Dove Cameron, Ephraim Sykes, Andrea Martin and Garrett Clayton.
This is not the first time the movie has been adapted into a live show. Hairspray turned into a Tony-winning Broadway musical in 2002 and a hit movie musical in 2007. Set in the '60s, Hairspray focuses on accepting everyone as they are while celebrating and embracing diversity. The story revolves around a young overweight Tracy who wants to star in the local Baltimore dancing event, The Corny Collins Show. However, her goal morphs as she tries to integrate the performers on the show.
The live broadcast recreated the '60s in an authentic manner. You see stars toe-tapping, hand-clapping, cross-dressing, etc,. and everyone is easily transported to the colourful decade.
The music, handled by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, got everyone dancing in their living rooms. The live show features energetic choreography in Broadway style. The highlight of the show was when Hudson paved her way through the civil rights anthem, I Know Where I've Been. And it all concludes with the biggest and best Broadway finale, You Can't Stop the Beat.
Viewers did see evident technical glitches, with issues regarding light setting, sound technicality and lip syncing. But the big picture was one bright happy Wednesday night on NBC.
Slept through the screening of the extravagant live Broadway performance? Here are a few highlights from the show that can help you catch up:
