Former 'Cheers' Star Lands 'Hairspray' Role - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 10-05-2007, 09:19 PM

Former Cheers star George Wendt is set to become the latest actor to try on Edna Turnblad's dress for size after signing on to play the heavyweight "Hairspray" part on Broadway.

The actor, who played barfly Norm in the hit sitcom, will take over the role of Turnblad on October 23 at Broadway's Neil Simon Theatre. He'll play the larger-than-life role throughout autumn and Christmas, wrapping up on January 20.

John Travolta and Divine have both played Edna on the big screen and British star Michael Ball is currently playing the role onstage in London.

TJL · 10-05-2007, 09:31 PM

That's great!

Classicshowsgurl15 · 10-05-2007, 09:31 PM

That's cool. Hopefully he is good in it.

catlover79 · 10-05-2007, 09:52 PM

Very cool!

George Wendt does have musical experience - he played Mr. MacAfee in the 1995 TV movie version of Bye Bye Birdie. By the way, the most famous person to play that role, both on Broadway and in the original movie, was Paul Lynde (Bewitched & Hollywood Squares). It's kind of funny to imagine both of them playing the same role as they look and sound nothing alike.

samanddiane4eva · 10-05-2007, 10:25 PM

Now I really want to go to New York!

Scoobiedoo30 · 10-06-2007, 12:51 PM

that is good to here that George is still Acting

BensonFan · 10-07-2007, 12:59 PM

Darn! I wish it was in Chicago--I'd be going.

10-05-2007, 09:19 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Former 'Cheers' Star Lands 'Hairspray' Role Former Cheers star George Wendt is set to become the latest actor to try on Edna Turnblad's dress for size after signing on to play the heavyweight "Hairspray" part on Broadway. The actor, who played barfly Norm in the hit sitcom, will take over the role of Turnblad on October 23 at Broadway's Neil Simon Theatre. He'll play the larger-than-life role throughout autumn and Christmas, wrapping up on January 20. John Travolta and Divine have both played Edna on the big screen and British star Michael Ball is currently playing the role onstage in London.
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

10-05-2007, 09:31 PM	#2
TJL Suburbanite Extrordinaire Forum Star Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: New Jersey - the cradle of civilization Posts: 16,588	That's great!
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10-05-2007, 09:31 PM	#3
Classicshowsgurl15 Happy Days Senior Member Join Date: Jun 28, 2004 Location: California Posts: 2,088	That's cool. Hopefully he is good in it.
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10-05-2007, 09:52 PM	#4
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	Very cool! George Wendt does have musical experience - he played Mr. MacAfee in the 1995 TV movie version of Bye Bye Birdie. By the way, the most famous person to play that role, both on Broadway and in the original movie, was Paul Lynde (Bewitched & Hollywood Squares). It's kind of funny to imagine both of them playing the same role as they look and sound nothing alike.
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

10-06-2007, 12:51 PM	#6
Scoobiedoo30 Member Forum Superstar Join Date: Jun 27, 2002 Location: KENNER, LOUISIANA Posts: 27,654	that is good to here that George is still Acting
	__________________ Who Dat

10-05-2007, 10:25 PM	#5
samanddiane4eva Icon credit: Me Frequent Poster Join Date: Dec 13, 2001 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 476	Now I really want to go to New York!

10-07-2007, 12:59 PM	#7
BensonFan Board Psychologist Senior Member Join Date: Mar 16, 2004 Location: Chicago, IL USA Posts: 2,733	Darn! I wish it was in Chicago--I'd be going.