Julie Halston Joins Cast of Hairspray on Nov. 5

Julie Halston is set to join the cast of Hairspray on November 5. She will play Prudy Pingleton, Gym Teacher and Matron, which were all roles originated by Jackie Hoffman in the tuner.

Halston is currently appearing off-Broadway in White Chocolate, for which she received rave reviews. She has appeared on the Great White Way in Twentieth Century, Gypsy, The Women and The Man Who Came to Dinner. Her other theatrical credits include Saved or Destroyed, The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, The Butter and Egg Man, her solo show Julie Halston's Lifetime of Comedy and the Encores! mounting of The Boys from Syracuse.

Hoffman, who had been attached to Hairspray since its initial workshop, played her final performance in the hit musical on October 14. Understudy Liz Larsen will go on in the roles until Halston begins.

Hairspray stars Bruce Vilanch as Edna Turnblad, Carly Jibson as Tracy Turnblad, Todd Susman as Wilbur Turnblad, Richard H. Blake as Link Larkin, Chester Gregory II as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Jordan Ballard as Amber Von Tussle, Mary Bond Davis as Motormouth Maybelle and Barbara Walsh as Velma Von Tussle. Michelle Kittrell is currently playing Penny Pingleton but will be replaced by Tracy Miller on October 19.