Martin Short, Derek Hough join Hairspray Live TV musical cast

Canadiancomedy iconMartin Short and American dancer Derek Hough have leapt aboard the cast of Hairspray Live!,set to air on NBC TV onDec. 7.

The duo will join Jennifer Hudson and Harvey Fierstein in the TV musical based on the cult John Waters movie.

Short will play the husband of Edna Turnblad, played by a cross-dressing Fierstein, who is also writing the teleplay and won a Tony Award for the samerole on Broadway.

Set in 1960s Baltimore, the show concerns the full-figured Tracy Turnblad whose fondest wish is to appear on a local television dance program.

Hough will play the TV host Corny Collins.

The new live musical will be directed for TV by Alex Rudzinski, who helmed Grease Live!Kenny Leon will direct the stage show.

Hough won two Emmys for choreographing Dancing With the Stars.

Short, the SCTV veteran and movie stalwart, has won a Tony and two Emmys. The performer, originally from Hamliton, Ont.,was honoured for his lifetime achievement to film and televisionat the Canadian Screen Awards earlier this year.