Ariana Grande Gushes Over Joining HAIRSPRAY LIVE!: 'Theater Is Everything to Me'

At yesterday's NBCUniversal Summer Press Tour, Ariana Grande did not hold back her excitement over joining the cast of NBC's HAIRSPRAY LIVE! Sitting alongside a roster of all-star cast mates including Harvey Fierstein, Kristin Chenoweth, Jennifer Hudson and Derek Hough, the pop star shared, "I never thought it would actually happen. It's kind of surreal for me to even be a part of this. I'm so grateful."

Grande will portray Penny, best friend to Tracy Turnblad, and told reporters she has no intention of re-inventing the wheel when it comes to the iconic role. "I don't want to change anything about the role or how she develops," said the 23-year-old. "I just love Penny and it's such a great honor to play her. I don't want any special icing or parts."

The singer, who began her career on the Broadway stage in '13', had nothing but praise for her new cast mates. "The fact that I'm here doing this today, sitting on this stage with such incredible people -- every time Harvey speaks, like my heart bursts. A light goes off inside my

heart. Kristin Chenoweth -- we're soulmates." She continued, "I don't even know what's happening. My theater geek inside, which is what I am, I can't take it. It's very overwhelming and very exciting. Penny's been my favorite character since the start."

She added, "This is such a dream come true for me because at heart, theater is everything to me. Pop music is so fun, but this is way much more fun. So much more."

Source: ET

Photo by: Chris Haston/NBCUniversal