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?
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
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.