The beloved Cheer star George Wendt will be joining the cast of Broadways Hairspray in the role of Edna Turnblad on October 23, 2007 and will go until January 20, 2008. Wendt will be replacing Paul Vogt in the role.

I saw Mr. Wendt in 12 Angry Men in Los Angeles a few months ago and I have to say I was quite impressed with his performance. If he takes on the new role with the same energy and enthusiasm I think this could be a great addition for the Hairspray cast. In addition to Wendt’s performance in 12 Angry Men he is best known for playing Norm Peterson on the popular sitcom, Cheers, in which he received 6 Emmy Award nominations.

The rest of the Hairspray cast includes Shannon Durig as Tracy, Ashley Parker Angel (yes from O-Town) as Link Larkin, Jim J. Bullock (To Close for Comfort) as Wilbur, Niki Scalera as Penny, Michele Pawk as Velma Von Tussle, Tevin Campbell as Seawood, Lance Bass (yes from ‘N Sync) as Corny Collins, Ashley Spencer as Amber Von Tussle, and Darlene Love as Motormouth Maybelle.

This is a great cast with a lot of big name stars… definitely worth seeing for the first time or even the second or third!!