‘Hairspray Live!’ Recap: Big Stars, Small Flubs, and a Tracy Turnblad Reunion

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It’s December, which means it’s time for another live musical on NBC. Following The Sound of Music Live!, Peter Pan Live!, and The Wiz Live!, this year’s live event was Hairspray Live!. The 1988 movie/Broadway musical/2007 movie came to the small screen with newcomer Maddie Baillio as the lovable Tracy Turnblad.

While this was Maddie’s professional debut, there was plenty of star power. Kristin Chenoweth, Ariana Grande, and Jennifer Hudson brought their powerhouse voices, Derek Hough brought his powerhouse dance moves, and Martin Short and Harvey Fierstein brought their powerhouse comedic acting. Fans of Hairspray were even treated to a Tracy Turnblad reunion when the original Tracy, Ricki Lake, and the Broadway Tracy, Marissa Winokur, joined Maddie outside of Mr. Pinky’s for the “Welcome to the ‘60s” number.

Of course, since it was live, there were a few mishaps, like some lighting issues, camera issues, cameras in the shot issues, and people flubbing their lines issues. Even acting legends Martin Short and Harvey Fierstein kinda mumbled through part of their song. But for the most part, the show was a hit and these live musicals on NBC seem to keep getting better and better.

Hairspray Live! is available to view on the NBC app.

Watch Lin-Manuel Miranda freestyle rap up a storm on ‘Tonight Show.’

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