Rannells currently plays Fender in Hairspray and understudies the role of Link. His other theatrical credits include a regional mounting of Hedwig and the Angry Inch and It's Karate Kid!, The Musical in New York. He has voiced characters on numerous cartoons, including Pokémon, Tokyo Mew Mew, Tama and Friends, Sonic X, Archie's Weird Mysteries, The Archies in Jugman, Shaman King and F-Zero GP Legend.

Hairspray currently stars Shannon Durig, John Pinette, Stephen DeRosa, Blake, Chester Gregory II, Becky Gulsvig, Tracey Miller and Darlene Love. While Leah Hocking is on now as Velma Von Tussle, Barbara Walsh will return to the role on November 15. Walsh will then appear through December 4, with Hocking taking over the role officially on December 6.