Kristin Chenoweth Joins 'Hairspray Live' as Velma Von Tussle!

Kristin Chenoweth will play the role of Velma Von Tussle in the upcoming NBC production of Hairspray Live!

The Tony-winning actress will be joining a cast that includes newcomer Maddie Baillio as Tracy Turnblad, Harvey Fierstein as Edna Turnblad, Martin Short as Wilmer, Jennifer Hudson as Motormouth Maybelle, and Derek Hough as Corny Collins.

“We are so excited and fortunate that Kristin – one of the best musical performers in the world – wants to come and play with us on Hairspray,” said Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment (via THR). “Everything she does is incredible, going back to the iconic Glinda in Wicked, and there’s no one better to play Velma Von Tussle. Each year we find that more and more of the top talent in our business wants to experience the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of these live musicals, and the bigger the roster of stars, the better the event. This one is shaping up to be one of our best!”

Hairspray Live will be filmed in Los Angeles and will air live on Wednesday, December 7 at 8pm!