NBC's "Hairspray Live!" will be featuring a familiar face as "Dangerous Woman" singer Ariana Grande has been signed to play the role of Penny Pingleton, the perky best friend of Tracy Turnblad.
The singer and actress broke the news on Twitter saying that Penny Pingleton has been a dream role of hers since "Hairspray" opened on Broadway. She noted that at the age of nine years old, she was and still is in love with Kerry Butler, the actress who played the role in the original version. She added that she hopes to make Butler proud with her portrayal of the character on NBC's "Hairspray Live!"
She added in a series of tweets: "I AM NOWWW A CHECKERBOARD CHICK #HairsprayLive #Penny." In a third tweet, Grande said that she is honored and beyond excited to be part of the cast of "Hairspray Live!" joking that she will surely pass out at the table read, E! News reported.
Robert Greenblatt, NBC's Entertainment Chairman, confirmed the news via a statement. He said that they are thrilled to have rounded out their all-star "Hairspray Live!" cast with the singer and former Nickelodeon teen actress. He even called Grande as one of the biggest recording artists in the world. He continued to say that Grande is a Broadway baby at heart as she debuted on the stage when she was 15. Greenblatt assured that Grande will be "fantastic in the delightful role of Penny Pingleton."
He noted, "We look forward to her millions of fans seeing yet another side to this multifaceted performer and we welcome her to this incredible ensemble of artists."
Grande will be acting for "Hairspray Live!" alongside Harvey Fierstein as Edna Turnblad, Jennifer Hudson as Motormoouth Maybelle, Martin Short as Wilbur Turnblad, Kristin Chenoweth as Velma Von Tussle and Derek Hough as Corny Collins. Tracy Turnblad will be played by newcomer Maddie Baillio, who was casted after a nationwide hunt for the lead character.
There are no actors yet for the love of Penny Pingleton, Seaweed as well as that for Tracy's love and nemesis, Link Larkin and Amber Von Tussle, respectively.
"Hairspray Live!" will be out on December 7 at 8 P.M. on NBC.
