NBC picks some key Broadway creators for its ‘Hairspray’

NEW YORK, N.Y. – NBC has tapped some deep Broadway talent for its live production of the stage musical “Hairspray.”

Kenny Leon, who won a Tony for the recent revival of “A Raisin in the Sun,” will direct the show from composer Marc Shaiman and his co-lyricist, Scott Wittman.

Jerry Mitchell, who won Tonys for choreographing “La Cage aux Folles” and “Kinky Boots,” will choreograph. And Harvey Fierstein, who won a Tony playing “Hairspray” on Broadway, will write the teleplay.

The musical adaptation of John Waters’ 1988 cult film will air Dec. 7.

NBC has made something of a cottage industry with live musicals, including “The Sound of Music,” ”Peter Pan” and “The Wiz.” Fox jumped in with its recent “Grease: Live!” and ABC plans a TV movie of the big-screen film “Dirty Dancing.”