Scolari Set to Latessa as Wilbur in Hairspray
by Danny Hoch • Jun 21, 2004
Broadway.com has learned that Peter Scolari is scheduled to replace Dick Latessa in Hairspray on August 3. Scolari's last performance in Sly Fox two days earlier.
We first reported Scolari was in talks to return to Hairspray on April 21. He filled in for Latessa as the lovable Wilbur Turnblad in the hit musical during the week of October 27 while the Tony winner was on vacation.
Scolari is probably best known for his role as Michael Harris on TV's Newhart. The part earned him Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for three consecutive years beginning in 1987. Before Newhart, Scolari made his mark on the small screen in a variety of shows, including Bosom Buddies, a sitcom in which he starred opposite Tom Hanks. Besides Hairspray and Sly Fox, Scolari's theatrical credits include Old Man Joseph and His Family off-Broadway, the Berkshire Theatre Festival production of The Foreigner and Putting it Together at the Cape Playhouse.
We first reported Scolari was in talks to return to Hairspray on April 21. He filled in for Latessa as the lovable Wilbur Turnblad in the hit musical during the week of October 27 while the Tony winner was on vacation.
Scolari is probably best known for his role as Michael Harris on TV's Newhart. The part earned him Emmy nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for three consecutive years beginning in 1987. Before Newhart, Scolari made his mark on the small screen in a variety of shows, including Bosom Buddies, a sitcom in which he starred opposite Tom Hanks. Besides Hairspray and Sly Fox, Scolari's theatrical credits include Old Man Joseph and His Family off-Broadway, the Berkshire Theatre Festival production of The Foreigner and Putting it Together at the Cape Playhouse.
In addition to Latessa who is expected to have his final performance on August 1, Hairspray currently stars Michael McKean as Edna Turnblad, Carly Jibson as Tracy Turnblad, Richard H. Blake as Link Larkin, Chester Gregory II as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Tracy Jai Edwards as Amber Von Tussle, Jennifer Gambatese as Penny Pingleton, Mary Bond Davis as Motormouth Maybelle and Barbara Walsh as Velma. The cast will be reviewed by critics this week.
A production spokesperson could not confirm the casting of Scolari.
--Cara Joy David, Broadway.com