Jennifer Hudson and Harvey Fierstein have signed on for leading roles in NBC's upcoming live production of Hairspray , the network announced Monday. Fierstein, who is also penning the Hairspray Live! teleplay, will reprise the role of Edna Turnblad, the mother of main character Tracy Turnblad. Fierstein originated the role on Broadway and won a Tony Award for it in 2003. Hudson will play Motormouth Maybelle, the mother of Tracy's classmate Seaweed and owner of a local record store. Finale Preview: Get scoop on season-enders for your favorite shows "We are beyond thrilled with this incredibly talented duo of stars for Hairspray Live! " NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt said in a statement. "Harvey Fierstein created the role of Edna Turnblad on Broadway in an indelible Tony-winning performance that demanded to be memorialized on film, and we're happy he wanted to step into her shoes one last, unforgettable time. We're also so grateful that the incomparable Jennifer Hudson will play Motormouth Maybelle, and we know her rendition of 'I Know Where I've Been' will literally stop the show." NBC also announced that Alex Rudzinski , who directed Grease Live! , will helm the production. Hairspray Live! airs Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 8/7c on NBC. Will you watch?
