Here’s what audiences can look forward to:

More Stars Than You Can Handle

Have you seen the cast list? The show has enough star power to keep the lights of Broadway running for weeks. Speaking of Broadway, the show will feature stage sensations Harvey Fierstein, Kristin Chenoweth, Ephraim Sykes, Martin Short and Andrea Martin.

Audiences can also look forward to performances by television’s Sean Hayes and Rosie O’Donnell, as well as “Dancing With the Stars” champion Derek Hough and teen dreams Dove Cameron and Garrett Clayton. Rounding out the cast are vocal powerhouses Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande.

A Book-Movie-Musical Mix-Up

The show will be a mix of the book, the movies and the musical. The beloved hits from the stage production, such as “Good Morning Baltimore,” will be included, as well as numbers that were written specifically for the recent film adaptation, such as “Ladies’ Choice.” The live show will close with a grand finale duet from Grande and Hudson, who will perform “Come So Far (Got So Far to Go),” the song from the credits segment of the 2007 film.

Bigger Is Better

Unlike NBC’s previous musical endeavors, “Hairspray Live!” will not be filmed on a contained soundstage. The show will follow in the footsteps of Fox’s production of “Grease: Live” and take place in front of a live studio audience in Los Angeles. The ambitious staging boasts 18 sets, half of them outdoors. This means the cast and crew will need to prepare to battle the elements on the day of the show. Rain or shine, the show must go on.

Triple the Tracy’s

The live show will introduce the world to newcomer Maddie Baillio, who stars as teenage dreamer Tracy Turnblad. But why have just one Tracy? Former Tracy Turnblads Ricki Lake and Marissa Jaret Winokur will make guest appearances in the television special as Mr. Pinky’s assistants.

Six Degrees of Hamilton

Forget six degrees of Kevin Bacon — this is the new game we should all be playing. Sykes, who plays Seaweed, has come straight off the stage from the original Broadway cast of “Hamilton.” Based in New York, Sykes has appeared on Broadway since 2008, scoring roles in the original casts of “Memphis,” “Newsies” and “Motown the Musical.”

Secrets of the Sets

Be on the lookout for the “Back to the Future” clock tower plaza, as it is rumored to be making an appearance as one of the sets. Also, “Hairspray Live!” screenwriter and actor Fierstein revealed that the set for the opening number is a “Hairspray” tribute. Many of the buildings have been purposefully designed and named after someone connected with the show over the years, including some of Fierstein’s costars and the chairman of NBC. Check them out here.

Don’t Forget the Pre-Show

Chenoweth fans can tune in a half hour before the live broadcast to see her co-host the pre-show with fellow cast member Hayes, who plays Mr. Pinky. It’s likely to be both charming and hilarious.

You Can Join In on the Fun

Broadway sensation and “Glee” alum Darren Criss will host an online broadcast via Facebook Live. He will interact with viewers on social media and give a behind-the-scenes look throughout the show. Viewers will also be able to see the show from a variety of unique camera angles both on and off the set. Unlike previous live shows, “Hairspray’s” digital platform will give fans an all-access experience, allowing them to completely immerse themselves in the show.

Want a preview? Check out the cast performing “You Can’t Stop the Beat” during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

What you are hoping to see most from “Hairspray Live!”? Leave a reply below…

The post ‘Hairspray Live!’ Is Coming: Here’s What To Expect appeared first on Theatre Nerds.

Live TV musicals have become holidays for us theatre nerds, putting an extra beat in our step on the sacred broadcast date. Of course, like all good holidays, it’s only natural to want to get festive.

So, here are some tips for throwing an ultra-clutch “Hairspray Live!” viewing party for you and the nicest kids in town from me, Kristin Chenoweth and more “Hairspray Live!” stars!

1. The Nicest Setting in Town!

Although it would be ideal to watch on the Universal lot itself, we’ll take what we can get. Whether you plan to congregate with fellow thespians or it’s just you and a tub of Nutella on the couch (solid choice), it’s imperative that you have a prime environment to watch. After all, it’s only going to be live once!

Garrett Clayton (Link Larkin) told us, “You need a space to dance during the show. Push the couches to the walls and dance with us during the show. Make sure to get some strong hairspray so you don’t mess up your hair while dancing lol.” Good thinking, Garrett!

Marissa Heart (Tammy) agreed, telling us, “I think for the best and most awesome viewing party, you’ll need to have a place to dance and sing along with us!”

If you are viewing at home, make sure you warn all the non-theatre nerds in the house about what’s about to go down. Call dibs on the biggest TV, and let everyone know they’re expected to stay quiet unless they’re singing along or it’s a commercial break.

However, be sure to do your research, since many cities are holding “Hairspray Live!” viewing parties at local theatres. And, if you’re really dedicated, you might want to spend the night in the city that inspired the story: Baltimore. Here are some great “Hairspray” hotel packages.

2. Snacks and Refreshments

“Thespian” is pretty much synonymous with “foodie,” so you’ll understand when I say that snacks are probably the most important aspect of the night. You’re going to want to get creative and go crazy in the kitchen, so why not take off work or school for the day? After all, skipping out worked for Tracy!

When we asked the one-and-only Kristin Chenoweth (Velma Von Tussle) to weigh in, she said the ultimate “Hairspray Live!” viewing party menu included “Velma Von Truffle fries, Crown cookies, Miss Baltimore Crabcakes, Chicken and waffles, Penne Pingleton and Wilburgers.”

Heart had the same train of thought as Chenoweth, urging audiences to “set up a ‘Hairspray’-themed snack table (I’d say pizza, popcorn and nachos) and, of course, festive drinks!”

And, Christine Danelson (who earned rave reviews as Tracy Turnblad in both the national tour and Paper Mill Playhouse productions), said, “Obviously, pink donuts!”

Here are some more snack ideas:

• For ‘60s-themed noms, we suggest lots of chips and dips, deviled eggs, jello and, obviously, bowls of popcorn. If you want to be authentic, here are 10 recipes that defined the ‘60s.
• Check out these delectable-looking Tracy cookies from TheLittleCookieShop.

• Don’t “The Corny Collins” and “Spraytini” sound good? Here are some deliciously themed drinks from none other than Baltimore! (21 and up only, kids).
• Penny Pingleton would probably suggest you get some bubble gum, too!

3. Decorations and Costumes

What is a viewing party without decorations and costumes? The show is set in the ‘60s, so if you’re stuck for decoration ideas, peruse good old Party City for some inspiration.

You can also provide your guests with Silly String, since it’s more fun (and practical) than giving everyone a can of hairspray. Spray it throughout the show, or just every time Jennifer Hudson belts a crazy-high note.

According to Heart, you’ll need your best 1960s get-up to get in the musical mood. You can have your attendees wear wigs — or just put one on yourself and your cat. This “‘60s Princess Wig” (wink, wink) does the trick. The bigger, the better!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNXBs1Rh2Jx/

Marissa Heart on set with her Hairspray Live! cast via Instagram.

4. Behind-the-Scenes Pre-Show

Thank the theatre gods! Chenoweth and Sean Hayes (“Promises, Promises” reunion, anyone?) are set to host the “Countdown to ‘Hairspray Live!’” special at 7:30 p.m., a mere half an hour before the show.

According to Broadway World, “the special will take viewers on a guided tour of everything involved in putting together NBC’s highly anticipated telecast … beginning with the first open casting call to the final rehearsal. Viewers will experience never-before-seen access to ‘Hairspray Live!’ from set and costume design to choreography and rehearsals with the cast, as well as a final look at the last-minute preparations before the 8 p.m. EST live broadcast.”

5. Join the Conversation

You’re obviously going to want to keep your talking to a minimum during the show, but that doesn’t mean you can’t silently browse social media. Live-tweeting events have become one of America’s favorite pastimes, so have your fingers ready to type out some posts. Perhaps the official “Hairspray Live!” Twitter account will even throw you a retweet. 

One tweeter to watch is Laura Benanti, who has starred in an NBC Live! musical herself and is known for tweeting during big events. If her hilarity and puns are not enough to lure you to her feed during the broadcast, then definitely go for her show review!

https://twitter.com/LauraBenanti/status/672627002021576704

Every time I hear the music, I feel the movement still in my body and am reminded of how much I love Tracy Turnblad

-Marissa Perry

It’s also OK if you need to let out some sobs during the show. Marissa Perry (who starred as Tracy Turnblad on Broadway) told us that she’s probably going to feel all the emotions.

“Every time I hear the music, I feel the movement still in my body and am reminded of how much I love Tracy Turnblad,” she said. “Whether it’s a community theatre or a professional version or re-watching either movie, it always ends up being a very emotional experience. So for me, what’s essential for viewing on the 7th is KLEENEX!!!!”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNdcI8JhiCo/

Video via Instagram.

Mason Trueblood (Fender) got heartfelt, too, telling us “I believe when we air on Dec. 7, the show will be permeated with the joy, the love and the hope of all the fine artists involved, and the audience will finally get to see what we’ve been feeling since Day 1: pure joy!”

In all honesty, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to throwing a viewing party, but by following these tips, you can make sure you’ll have plenty of fun — and then go run and tell that!

What are your plans for your “Hairspray Live!” viewing experience? Are you throwing a party or celebrating solo? Let us know in the comments!

The post How To Throw The Ultimate ‘Hairspray Live!’ Viewing Party appeared first on Theatre Nerds.