‘Hairspray’ is NBC’s next live musical

John Waters production will follow ‘The Wiz’

Published

10 years ago

January 14, 2016

Mariah Cooper

(Screenshot courtesy of YouTube)

NBC announced on Wednesday “Hairspray” will be the network’s next live musical.

NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt revealed during a T.V. Critics’ meeting that a live version of John Waters’s “Hairspray” is expected to air in December.

Greenblatt says that no deals for the production have been finalized as of right now.

“We have dream casting, but it’s too early,”Greenblatt told Us Weekly. “We haven’t even gotten that far, but I don’t think we’re going to replicate the movie.”

Greenblatt also told Us Weekly that NBC would love to have John Travolta, who starred in the “Hairspray” movie, star in their version.

“Oh sure, we’d take John Travolta. He did it. I don’t think that’s a possibility, but we’d be thrilled to have John Travolta,” Greenblatt says.

“Hairspray” follows in the footsteps of its live musical predecessors “The Wiz,” “Peter Pan” and “The Sound of Music.” FOX also has plans for its own live production of “Grease” airing in January.

Up Next

New Axe commercial appeals to gay audience

Don't Miss

‘Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta” features first transgender bride

FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

PHOTOS: Black Pride Opening Reception

Durand Bernarr headlines program

Published

14 hours ago

May 24, 2026

Michael Key

Durand Bernarr performs at the 2026 DC Black Pride Opening Reception on Friday, May 22. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The DC Black Pride Opening Reception was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Friday, May 22. Grammy Award-winning artist Durand Bernarr was the headline performer. Comedian Anthony Oakes was the host. Speakers included Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson and Center For Black Equity President Kenya Hutton, as well as speakers from health organizations and sponsors. The event featured performances from Billy the Goat, Jay Columbus, Akeem Woods, Rue Pratt, Be Steadwell and Bennu Byrd.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

Photos

PHOTOS: Black Pride Pageant and Unity Ball

Back-to-back events held on first night of D.C. Black Pride

Published

1 day ago

May 23, 2026

Landon Shackelford

The 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Schackelford)

The Mr. and Miss DC Black Pride Pageant was held at the Westin DC Downtown on Thursday, May 21. Following the pageant, Black Pride events continued with the 10th annual DC Black Pride Unity Ball.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)