Cheers, Jeers and Surprises on NBC's 'Hairspray Live' Production
The original leads from the movie and Broadway productions surprised viewers.
The reviews are in for NBC’s Hairspray Live — and while some critics loved the live broadcast, others were eager to "stop the beat."
Read: Blast From the Past: Inside the Production and All-Star Cast of 'Hairspray Live!'
"Best musical yet," raved Variety while USA Today gave it three-and-a-half stars
The New York Times said the production "had power voices but still lacked power."
Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson were praised by The Huffington Post for “blowing their duet out of the water" in the production.
The show was plagued with some lighting and sound problems at the Universal backlot in Los Angeles.
Read: Man Living Near Prince's Estate Pays Tribute With Christmas Lights Set to 'Purple Rain'
Newcomer Maddie Baillio starred as Tracy Turnblad.
The show also featured two ex-Tracys — Ricki Lake, who starred in the original 1988 film and, Marissa Jaret Winokur, who won a Tony for her Broadway performance in 2003.
Former View co-host Rosie O'Donnell also delighted viewers as she appeared as the school gym teacher.
Watch: Donald Trump Was Once a Broadway Producer on Short-Lived Show
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