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NBC revives ‘Hairspray’ just in time

All-star cast says election gives show special meaning

Published

10 years ago

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Hairspray Live, gay news, Washington Blade

From left in back are Ephraim Skyes, Jennifer Hudson, Martin Short, Dove Cameron; (middle row) Ariana Grande, Garrett Clayton, Harvey Fierstein, Maddie Baillo, Kristin Chenoweth and (front row) Shahadi Wright Joseph and Derek Hough. (Photo by Brian Bowen Smith; courtesy NBC)

LOS ANGELES — “Hairspray” has always been a peppy musical about a “pleasantly plump” teen in Baltimore who becomes a local superstar, brings her city together and gets the boy.

It’s cutesy and fun on the surface but a deeper look reveals the musical as a dark comedy fighting against racial segregation in 1962. While the musical may seem dated in its wardrobe and copious amounts of hairspray, the airing of NBC’s “Hairspray Live!” on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. feels oddly current.

In light of the recent election, it’s a sad reminder of life, yet again, imitating art.

The Washington Blade was able to speak with some of the cast and visit the set of “Hairspray Live!” at Universal Studios in California. A brightly colored version of Baltimore lives on the West Coast filled with fake storefronts of the iconic “Hairspray” locations such as Mr. Pinky’s Hefty Hideaway and Motormouth Records. The set of the “Corny Collins Show,” originally based on the real life “The Buddy Deane Show” which aired on WJZ in Baltimore, and the Turnblad living room stood empty waiting for the cast to bring them to life.

The cast was brimming with excitement for the show and some of the younger cast members bonded eating chips and salsa at Ariana Grande’s house the night before.

Harvey Fierstein, who reprises his Broadway role as Edna Turnblad and penned the NBC teleplay, was invited to join.

“Last night, they were texting me at 11 o’clock. All the kids were at Ariana’s house having a party. ‘Harvey, come on out. Come on out,’” Fierstein says. “I’m old. Leave me alone. I’m in bed.”

Baltimore native John Waters’ quirky mind gave birth to the original 1988 film. However, “Hairspray Live!” promises to be closer to the 2002 Broadway version with its teleplay. Fans of the original film won’t be disappointed though if they spy for Easter eggs on set like Divine Pet Food, Edie’s Eggs and Dairy and Waters Plumbing.

 One thing for sure is that the events of the musical ring true now more than the last go around.

“Those kids in 2002, we had to educate them about segregation,” Fierstein says. “The black kids would sit out in the hall while the white kids rehearsed, and they started getting a very weird feeling. People started getting very territorial. There was a fight over Little Inez’s doll, whether it would be prettier if it was a white girl’s doll. We were feeling that stuff, and that stuff was foreign. It had to be brought to the show because it was not part of who they were growing up. This group of kids, very unfortunately knows it’s true, and we don’t have to educate them about it.”

Fierstein and Martin Short, who plays Wilbur Turnblad, find themselves concerned but also oddly optimistic about the evolution of the LGBT community under a Donald Trump presidency.

“You know, Donald … I mean I sat with him at a gay wedding. He was not happy to be there … but he was there at the gay wedding,” Fierstein says.

“I think the interesting thing about Donald Trump, who I’ve never met, is we don’t know very much about him,” Short adds. “We know that in 2009 you can see him sitting with Wolf Blitzer praising the genius of Hillary and Bill Clinton. We know that he was a Democrat. We know that he was always pro-choice. So I think that there’s so much opportunism tied to what he is that I’m sure that in private he is much less what his policies will be.”

Fierstein has donned the wig and dress as Edna more than 1,000 times and says he first prepared for the role by following women around at the mall. While both Fierstein and Edna are firecrackers in their own right, he couldn’t help but feel the gender difference.

“I do love that nurturing side of Edna, and I love being around the cast and the kids that way,” Fierstein says. “And I adore her. But there’s a sadness about her that I love too. I’ve always been an overweight person, and to be an overweight woman is different than being an overweight man.”

Grande and Kristin Chenoweth also felt the weight of the timing of the musical and the election. Grande plays Penny Pingleton, Tracy Turnblad’s friend who falls for a black boy named Seaweed, played by Ephraim Sykes of “Hamilton.” Grande, a “Hairspray” super fan, can hardly contain her excitement about taking on her dream role of Penny. Meanwhile Chenoweth is Velma Von Tussle, the show’s racist antagonist. Chenoweth, a veteran Broadway performer, is more quietly understated about her role but her eyes light up when discussing the show’s significance.

While their onscreen relationship couldn’t be further apart, the pair couldn’t have been closer offset, often seen walking arm and arm together.

“I love her like she’s my own kid,” Chenoweth says of Grande.

For these songstresses “Hairspray Live!” airing in a post-Trump world had to happen.

“I think it’s cosmic,” Grande says. “I think it was meant to be. I think the universe had a plan and was like, ‘OK, we need to show these people something uplifting but that will also make you get the point.’ It’s a beautiful show. It’s touching.”

Chenoweth agrees and said her role as an LGBT ally is all the more important.

“It’s interesting being a person — not to get weird — a person of faith, a woman in show business in the 21st century. I guess I have to keep saying those words right there. Because to me, whatever God is to us, we have to be. God is love. And it seems like the opposite of that happens a lot. Instead of acceptance and love, not tolerance, acceptance. That’s my message,” Chenoweth says.

Grande and Jennifer Hudson (Motormouth Maybelle) will be giving “Hairspray” their own twist by singing “Come So Far,” written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The song appeared in the 2007 movie version. Both Grande and Hudson admit they are excited for the duet. While “Come So Far” is an upbeat tune, Grande and Chenoweth say “I Know Where I’ve Been,” sung by Hudson inside Motormouth Records, is an emotional rollercoaster.

This isn’t Hudson’s first time in a period musical. However, the mental preparation involved is completely different.

“When I was doing ‘Dreamgirls,’ I had to go back and look at what was happening in the ‘60s,” Hudson says. “I don’t find myself having to do that now. It’s like, turn on the news. It helps us in a way because now we can relate in this day and age. I think it gives the story that much more power and meaning. To us, this is normal. But now, we won’t necessarily see it that way.”

During a panel discussion with the creative team, moderator Dave Karger asked why “now is a good time for ‘Hairspray.’”

Director Kenny Leon couldn’t help but laugh.

“Oh, wow. Man, where were you last Tuesday?” Leon joked. “It’s actually a blessing to be in the throngs of this after last week. And it’s emphasized the role of artists in our world. And so it gave me an opportunity to talk to the company about the importance of what we do.”

The importance of Hollywood’s role as a source of comfort is being highlighted now more so than in recent years. Out actor Billy Eichner, who makes a special appearance as Rob Barker, and Paul Vogt, who plays Mr. Spritzer, see “Hairspray” as especially healing for the LGBT community.

“It was created by John Waters, which is like a gay icon and has always been a great voice,” Eichner says. “He has always been very outspoken about being gay and gay issues and diversity in his casts and the characters. And ‘Hairspray’ is about outsiders, you know? And it’s a great musical and gay people like a great musical.”

“What everyone else considers the normal world that’s his outsiders so I think he likes to show the outsiders and say, ‘Yeah, you have a right to be here’ and a lot of homosexuals and LGBT we feel like the outsiders but we’re not. We’re the same as everybody else and we should be able to just feel that way. I think that ‘Hairspray’ gives you that voice and I think John Waters gives you that,” Vogt adds.

For Vogt, comedy is essential in getting through tough political times.

“You can yell at people and yell at people and disagree with them and fight with them, but then when you do it through comedy, sometimes they’ll hear you,” Vogt says.

Fierstein thinks “Hairspray” is the perfect vehicle for getting that message across.

“The wonderful thing about ‘Hairspray’ is it’s so gentle in its storytelling. It’s the right message. We don’t beat you up,” Fierstein says.

A common thread the cast seemed to share, besides an unwavering passion for “Hairspray,” is that keeping the laughter going keeps hope alive.

“I hear there’s going to be a man playing the mother,” Fierstein jokes. “But I didn’t check anyone else’s penises or vaginas.”

“Well that’s what wrap parties are for,” Short says.

While the cast prepares for the show, so is the actual city of Baltimore. In celebration of “Hairspray Live!” the city will offer “Hairspray” character-inspired cocktails at many of Baltimore’s bars and restaurants. Local hotels will also offer packages with discounts in honor of the show. For a complete list of “Hairspray” activities, visit baltimore.org.

Shaw’s Tavern (520 Florida Ave., N.W.) will also hold a special watch party from 7 p.m.- 1 a.m. with a “Hairspray” sing-along before and after the show.

Catch the rest of the cast including newcomer Maddie Bailie (Tracy Turnblad), Dove Cameron (Amber Von Tussle), Garrett Clayton (Link Larkin), Sean Hayes (Mr. Pinky), Derek Hough (Corny Collins), Andrea Martin (Prudy Pingleton), Rosie O’Donnell (Health Ed Teacher) and Shahadi Wright Joseph (Little Inez) in “Hairspray Live!’

Hairspray Live

From left are Maddie Baillio as Tracy Turnblad and Harvey Fierstein as Edna Turnblad in ‘Hairspray Live!’ (Photo by Brian Bowen Smith; courtesy NBC)

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Summer in the City: Free exhibits, movies, more fill D.C.’s calendar

America 250 celebrations continue

Published

2 days ago

on

July 26, 2026

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Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande star in ‘Wicked,’ screening Sept. 12 at Union Market. (Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures)

From late-night museum visits and outdoor jazz concerts to free movie screenings and America250 exhibitions, Washington’s summer calendar is packed with events that don’t charge admission. Here’s a look at some of the free activities happening across the District through September and beyond.

Museum exhibitions

The Renwick Gallery is presenting State Fairs: Growing American Craft, an exhibition that looks at unique and unconventional crafts from the 19th century to the present. It will run until Sept. 7, and admission is free. 

The Arts and Industries Building, located next to the Smithsonian Castle, is presenting the exhibition Voices and Votes: Exploring Democracy Across America. The exhibition features the development of American independence and what that has meant over time, beginning with the Revolutionary War. Admission to the museum is free, and the exhibition runs until Sept. 7.

The National Gallery of Art presents Dear America, an exhibit featuring more than 100 pieces of work, including letters, photographs, and drawings that depict American landscapes and depictions of freedom. The exhibition will run until Sept. 20.

The National Museum of Women in the Arts is exhibiting Burnished: Pueblo Pottery until Sept. 27. The exhibit features pottery from the Southwest, and while most of the pottery belongs to women artists, a few also reflect those who have advocated for women.

Extending past this summer, the exhibition ¡Puro Ritmo! The Musical Journey of Salsa will be at the National Museum of the American Latino until July 2028. The exhibition shows how Afro-Cuban music has become a staple in the U.S. Admission is free.

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will feature the exhibition District Vibes / American Pride: How DC Changed American Culture, which will highlight all of the ways D.C. has impacted American life. The exhibit will run until Sept. 27.

At the Folger Shakespeare Library, the exhibit Imagining Shakespeare: Mythmaking and Storytelling in the Regency Era will be on view through Aug. 2. All the portraits on display come from the Boydell Shakespeare Gallery in London.

The United States Botanic Garden will be open until 8 p.m. on Aug. 20 and Sept. 17, as part of America’s State Flowers: An America250 Celebration. The evenings will include live music, mocktails, ice cream, and snacks.

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden will have extended hours, staying open until 8 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday until Sept. 3. 

Live performances

On Aug. 7, the postgame Nationals concert series will continue with Jordan Davis performing. To see the concert, guests just need to buy tickets to the Nationals game. 

Jazz in the Garden will run each Friday until Aug. 14. The event has free admission, but those interested have to enter a lottery due to the high demand for the event.

From May to October, Capital Harvest Market occurs every Wednesday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. The market features fresh foods, crafts, and recipes for unique dishes. A full list of vendors is available on Capital Harvest’s website.

Live! Concert Series on the Plaza will feature live performances at Woodrow Wilson Plaza until Sept. 25. The performances run Monday to Friday from 12-1 p.m. Admission is free to the performances. 

DowntownDC Live! at Anthem Row is running until July 30, with free performances every Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The final performance will feature HUE and a vintage flea market hosted by Get Flee Marketplace. 

Located in Adams Morgan, AdMo Vibe will present live performances every Thursday at 6 p.m. in Kalorama Park. Guests are encouraged to check out Adams Morgan before and after shows, and it is an event for all ages.

Other events

Union Market is hosting drive-in movies on Aug. 8, featuring “Monsters, Inc.”, and Sept. 12, featuring “Wicked.” On Aug. 8, the parking lot will open at 7:30 p.m., with the movie starting at 8:25 p.m. On Sept. 12, the parking lot will open at 6:35 p.m., and the movie will start at 7:30 p.m.

Sunset Cinema at the Wharf will also be available one day a month. On Aug. 12, “10 Things I Hate About You” will premiere, and on Aug. 26, “Project Hail Mary.” No tickets are necessary. 

The Library of Congress will also show movies. On Aug. 6, guests are invited to watch “Apollo 13.” The movie will be shown at 8 p.m., with additional live performances beginning at 7 p.m.

For fans of Asian media, the Okaton convention will be at Walter E. Washington Convention Center from July 31-Aug. 2. Festivities will include cosplay contests, skits, live music, and panel discussions.

Washington Spirit’s season also begins in August. The Spirit is Washington’s National Women’s League, with matchups occurring between the San Diego Wave, the North Carolina Courage, the Orlando Pride, and the Bay FC.

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Summer in D.C. brings sports, Restaurant Week, festivals, and more

Published

6 days ago

on

July 23, 2026

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Washington Spirit CEO Kim Stone hosts Pride Night OUT on Sunday, Aug. 23. (Photo courtesy of Washington Spirit)

Summer in D.C. just hits different. Congress is out, school is out, the sun is out, thighs are out. With the skies clearing from Canadian smoke, here are a few ways to stay entertained.

Dining

Summer restaurant week: The Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) is once again hosting Summer Restaurant Week, Aug. 18-24. This weeklong dining experience showcases the dynamic dining scene of the DMV, including 2026 RAMMY Award-winning favorites (the annual D.C. food awards show that took place June 29). Participating restaurants will offer three-course brunch and lunch selections for $25 or $35 per person, and three-course dinners for $40, $55 and $65 per person.

New Restaurants: A handful of new spots have opened, so the summer is a great time to check them out:

  • Oribu: A new Mediterranean-Japanese restaurant in the Grand Hyatt hotel, which just underwent a remodeling effort. The sleek restaurant brings upscale charm, with dishes like Wagyu beef tartare with potato pavé and caviar.
  • The Oak Room: A snazzy old-school American grill has just opened in Georgetown, alongside its sister upstairs supper club (Bernadette’s) restaurant, in the old El Centro space.
  • Uchi: This showy Japanese sushi-forward chain has landed in Dupont with a chef’s tasting menu of favorites like fatty tuna.
  • Kathmandu: Recalling the capital of Nepal, this warm, buzzy subterranean restaurant right in the heart of U Street brings spice, flair, and rare ingredients to its dishes (see: buffalo burgers) and drinks.

Sports

  • Washington Spirit Pride Night OUT: On Sunday, Aug. 23, head to Audi Field for a massive, high-energy game following the exciting month of World Cup. The designated Pride Night OUT game promises boisterous crowds plus pre- and post-game community engagements. 
  • Washington Tennis Open – Now called the Mubadala DC Open, this annual tournament is only combined mens’ and womens’ 500-level tennis tournament in the world. The open is one of D.C.’s longest-standing sports traditions, and will take place at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center July 25-Aug. 2. Naomi Osaka, Venus Williams, Ben Shelton, Frances Tiafoe, and others are expected to play.

Festivals

  • Afro Plus Fest: This huge, three-day Afro-Caribbean Hip-Hop Festival brings together headliners Davido, Alkaline, and Wizkid, plus Tems and Ayra Starr. The event moves from RFK to the Northwest Stadium Complex for three days, Sept. 4-6.
  • Capital Fringe Festival: Running from July 11-21, this massive celebration features dozens of live theater, comedy, dance, and boundary-pushing nighttime performances across multiple DC neighborhoods. 
  • The National Book Festival returns, with headliners like Cynthia Erivo, and Martin Scorsese. The one-day festival, Saturday, Aug. 22, brings together bookworms and word nerds under the theme “America 250: It’s Your Story.” There are talks, workshops, musical sessions and more.
  • All Things Go: A three-day festival Sept. 25-27 at Merriweather Post Pavilion featuring Mitski, Hayley Williams, Brandi Carlile, MUNA, Zara Larsson, Ethel Cain, and many, many more artists. There are single-day and three-day tickets. Featuring and highlighting female artists, the festival has turned into a must-see for many LGBTQ audience members.
  • Fuchsia Fest: The inaugural Fuchsia Fest is a new multi-day celebration created to celebrate LGBTQ community and expression, bringing together a mix of community gatherings, entertainment, and nightlife. The event takes place Sept. 18-20 and is hosted by Capital Pride.

Art and Music

  • United We Dance: A high-energy rave with house, techno, bass, and festival music, on Aug. 1 at the 9:30 Club. 
  • The Fray. On Aug. 14, this American rock band famous for How To Save A Life is at Merriweather Post Pavilion.
  • Kesha: Kesha’s high-energy The Freedom Tour comes to the D.C. area on Aug. 14 at Jiffy Lube Live.
  • ALOK: On Sept. 3 at Lincoln Theater, ALOK (they/them) performs. The poet, comedian, and actor is putting on a new comedy show.
  • 2charm, the emerging Australian electronic club-pop duo popular with the queer community, which blends hyperpop and dance music, comes to the Atlantis.
  • Sapphic Dance Party: a vibrant, inclusive nightlife and social event designed specifically for queer women, lesbians, bisexuals, trans individuals, and nonbinary folks, at Atlantis on Aug. 21.
  • Jazz in the Garden: The most quintessential of D.C. activities returns Friday evenings through Aug. 14. This season’s theme, “American Sounds,” is a nod to the nation’s 250th anniversary. Tunes themes range from Appalachian and Americana to Creole jazz, Hill Country blues, contemporary jazz, and more. Tickets are available through a lottery system a week before each event.
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Tickets on sale for chef Patrick O’Connell’s book launch event

Sept. 18 kickoff to feature José Andrés, Tom Sietsema

Published

1 week ago

on

July 21, 2026

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Acclaimed chef Patrick O’Connell is preparing to publish his new memoir, “Main, Middle & Gay” in September and he’s launching the book with an event on Sept. 18 at 6 p.m. at Lisner Auditorium featuring Chef José Andrés and former Washington Post food critic Tom Sietsema.

Tickets for the event go on sale Tuesday, July 21 at Ticketmaster; prices start at $55.

 O’Connell, who’s gay, is the pioneering Michelin-starred chef and longtime proprietor of the Inn at Little Washington. He spoke with the Blade about the September event and the launch of his first memoir.

 “I’ve known [Andrés and Sietsema] for more than 25 years and I have great respect for them,” O’Connell said. “I felt that it would allow us to add a different dimension rather than just have an interviewer. The chemistry will be fun and lively and unpredictable and exciting. I think we’re all different personalities and we’ll compliment each other.”

O’Connell has published cookbooks but this is his first memoir. The event will feature a short film that will highlight his work and the Inn.

“What I hope to do with the event is bring the book to life visually,” he said. “So we’re producing a short film that will be part of it. Most of the audience will not have read the book so it’ll give them a visual flavor of the book. It parallels the evolution of American cuisine over 50 years. It’s a rare perspective to be in the trenches for that long.”

The book’s title refers to the location of the garage on the corner of Main, Middle, and Gay streets in Washington, Va., where he launched his restaurant that became an international culinary destination. 

The Blade will publish the rest of its wide-ranging interview with O’Connell in September in conjunction with the book’s release.

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