A Musical Reunion Filled with Bell-Ringing Moments
Matthew Morrison's Return
The Glee actor joined his former costars two decades later at the New World Stages in New York City on Sunday, Dec. 8. He reprised the role he created, Link Larkin, for "I Can Hear The Bells", a song that holds a special place in the show. Butler and Bundy also joined in the fun, recreating the moves of their characters, Penny Pingleton and Amber Von Tussle respectively. This whole moment was captured on video and shared on social media, creating a buzz among fans.Winokur wrote, "When Matthew Morrison comes to Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now!, everyone hears the bells!" and shared the full video of the moment. Morrison's return was not just a one-time thing; he took his cameo to the next level by returning to the stage for the evening's closing number "You Can’t Stop the Beat".
He not only hit the notes for Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman's beloved tune but also recreated Jerry Mitchell's iconic choreography. It was revealed that Morrison, who was the understudy for Link in workshops before being moved up to the role, had a special connection with his co-stars. He even locked lips with Winokur, Butler, and Bundy, and they all agreed he was "the greatest kisser!"
The Musical Journey
This 90-minute extravaganza is a touching walk down memory lane filled with laughter. The trio revisits the show that launched their careers and the lifelong friendships they made along the way. Along with songs from Hairspray, they sing hits from their numerous on-stage roles like Beetlejuice, Wicked, Legally Blonde and more.Since performances began in November, celebs like Jonathan Groff, Frankie Grande, Ross Matthews, and JJ Niemann have all made guest appearances at the show, stepping into the Link Larkin role for "I Can Hear the Bells". Andrew Rannells, a former Link Larkin himself, even did the gig on opening night.
Hairspray opened up to rave reviews on Aug. 15, 2002, and went on to win eight Tony Awards including best musical, best book (Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan), best director (Jack O’Brien), best actor (Harvey Fierstein) and a best actress trophy for Winokur. The musical, about a teen who became an overnight sensation in 1960s Baltimore, played 2,642 regular performances and 31 previews before closing on Jan. 4, 2009. Other stage versions in London and on tour followed.
The Movie Adaptation
In 2007, a movie musical adaptation was released directed and choreographed by Adam Shankman. It starred John Travolta, Christopher Walken, Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfeiffer, James Marsden, Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes, Brittany Snow, Elijah Kelley, Allison Janney and Nikki Blonsky as Tracy.Even NBC's "Hairspray Live!", directed by Kenny Leon and Alex Rudzinski, aired in December 2016 with another superstar cast including Harvey Fierstein (reprising his Tony-nominated role as Edna Turnblad), Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Kristin Chenoweth, Martin Short, Dove Cameron, Ephraim Sykes, Andrea Martin and Maddie Baillio as Tracy.
Tickets for "Mama, I’m A Big Girl Now!" are now on sale and the show wraps on Saturday, Dec. 21.