Jenifer Lewis in 'Hairspray'

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darreyl102
#1Jenifer Lewis in 'Hairspray'
Posted: 9/1/15 at 1:43am

So, I've always wondered why Jenifer Lewis did not originate the role of Motormouth Maybelle in 'Hairspray'. I know she did the demos for the show and she always says that the role was written for her (joking?). So I was always curious why she didn't end up doing it instead of Mary Bond Davis. Was she actually supposed to play it, and couldn't for some reason or was she just meant to do the demos?


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emo_geek
#2Jenifer Lewis in 'Hairspray'
Posted: 9/1/15 at 1:37pm

Great question! I'm curious to know myself. Hoping someone here has some insight. 


"I never had theatre producers run after me. Some people want to make more Broadway shows out of movies. But Elliot and I aren't going to do Batman: The Musical." - Julie Taymor 1999

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#3Jenifer Lewis in 'Hairspray'
Posted: 9/1/15 at 2:02pm

And while we're at it, I'm still wondering what BJ Crosby's connection with Hairspray is, as mentioned by Harvey when she died.


https://twitter.com/HarveyFierstein/status/581611588567842816

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darreyl102
#4Jenifer Lewis in 'Hairspray'
Posted: 9/2/15 at 4:55pm

Two things that I am very curious to know the answers to!


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Sharon Lover
#5Jenifer Lewis in 'Hairspray'
Posted: 9/2/15 at 7:01pm

Jenifer was unable to do the broadway show because she landed a role on the Lifetime show Strong Medicine. I'm not sure what BJ's affiliation may be except as a possible Motormouth in a workshop.

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JBradshaw
#6Jenifer Lewis in 'Hairspray'
Posted: 9/2/15 at 7:43pm

Lewis was amazing as Motormouth. 

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darreyl102
#7Jenifer Lewis in 'Hairspray'
Posted: 9/2/15 at 8:57pm

BJ would have made an incredible Motormouth! I can only imagine what she would have done with 'I Know Where I've Been".


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