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Hairspray Film's Tracy to be Revealed Tonight on CBS's ET
By: BWW News Desk Jun. 08, 2006
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Recently reported in USA Today, was the news that Amanda Bynes has been cast in the upcoming film version of Hairspray. Bynes joined the previously-announced John Travolta as Edna Turnblad, and Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle. She will play Penny Pingleton, Tracy Turnblad's perky best friend who learns that true love is color-blind.
The film version of Hairspray will be directed by Adam Shankman (The Pacifier, Bringing Down the House). It will be produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, for their Zadan/Meron Productions, which previously executive produced the Golden Globe and Academy Award-winning Best Picture Chicago. A nationwide casting search is currently underway to find a newcomer to play the lead role of Tracy Turnblad in the film, with production on Hairspray scheduled to begin this fall for a potential summer 2007 release.
Hairspray is originally based on the 1988 John Waters comedy about a teenager who finds stardom on a local Baltimore dance show--which she helps to racially integrate. The new version of the film will be based on New Line's hit Broadway adaptation of the film, which debuted in 2002, and went on to win eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book and Best Director.
Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman will contribute new songs to their existing Tony Award-winning score. Shaiman will also serve as the film's music supervisor and will compose the music score for the film as well as produce its songs. Wittman and Shaiman will also serve as executive producers on the film. The new screenplay for Hairspray will be written by Leslie Dixon (Freaky Friday, Outrageous Fortune).
Toby Emmerich, New Line's president of production, is overseeing the project along with New Line's Executive VP of Production Mark Kaufman, and Creative Executives Michael Disco and Daryl Freimark.
Visit www.hairsprayonbroadway.com for more information on Hairspray.
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