Ariana Grande has just landed her dream role in the TV remake of Hairspray.The singer will swap her signature ponytail for curly pigtails to play Penny Pingleton, in NBC’s upcoming Hairspray Live! The pop star couldn’t contain her excitement as she took to Twitter on Thursday writing:
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/751128842459156481
Her fellow co-stars tweeted to the singing sensation congratulating her on her new role. Harvey Fierstein, who is reprising his role as Tracy Turnblad’s mom, Edna, and writing the teleplay for the production, told Ariana, ‘Ain’t no joke! And I can’t wait! You are so talented and I am so excited! xoxox Mama Harvey,’
Kristin Chenoweth, who plays mean-girl mom Velma Von Tussle tweeted, ‘Thrilled to share the stage with @ArianaGrande as Penny in @HairprayLive! Coming full circle, how fun! #Popular #TBT.’
Kerry Butler, who originated the Broadway role in the 2002 production, tweeted out to the Dangerous Woman singer saying, ‘You are PERFECT for Penny!! My daughter and I still watch you on Victorious. So excited for you!!’
The Broadway babe will also join A-list stars Martin Short as Tracy’s father, Jennifer Hudson as D.J. Motormouth Maybelle, Derek Hough as Corny Collins, and newcomer Maddie Baillio as Tracy Turnblad. Penny’s love interest, Seaweed, Tracy’s love, Link Larkin, and Tracy’s nemesis, Amber Von Tussle are yet to be cast.
‘We’re absolutely thrilled to round out our all-star ‘Hairspray Live!’ cast with Ariana Grande, one of the biggest recording artists in the world,’ NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt announced in a statement.
He added: ‘She’s also a Broadway baby at heart, having debuted on Broadway when she was 15, and will be fantastic in the delightful role of Penny Pingleton. We look forward to her millions of fans seeing yet another side to this multifaceted performer and we welcome her to this incredible ensemble of artists.’
