Broadway actress wants role in live TV version of Hairspray

Marissa Jaret Winokur, who starred as Tracy Turnblad in the Broadway musical Hairspray, is after a cameo in the live TV version.

The 43-year-old first starred as the teenage heroine when the musical, based on John Waters' 1988 movie, first hit the stage in 2002. Winokur later took home the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical the following year, and is desperate to be a part of NBC's live production.

"I'm down for anything," she told Entertainment Tonight. "I just want to be a part of it and have fun. I'm excited."

Hairspray Live! is headed to the small screen in December (16), and features Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson and Derek Hough in the star-studded musical cast.

And Winokur has nothing but praise for newcomer Maddie Baillio, who is taking on the iconic role of Tracy. "She's just amazing and wonderful and young and sweet and perfect," she gushed. "I’m so excited for her. I can't wait."

Ricki Lake was the first actress to take on the role of overweight Baltimore teenager Tracy, whose love for dance, despite her size, leads her to local fame when she lands a spot dancing on The Corny Collins Show. The movie was remade in 2007, and starred Nikki Blonsky as the fun-loving teen, alongside Zac Efron and John Travolta, who wore women's clothes to play Tracy's mother Edna.

Winokur even gave Baillio some advice on how to play her role, which the musical actress described as a much-loved character. "Tracy Turnblad represents all of America," she explained. "All the girls. We all love Tracy so much. (I told Baillio), 'Just love her and embrace her.'

"My advice to her was, 'Be yourself. Don't try to be me. Don't try to be Ricki Lake (who starred in the original film), just be yourself.' (That's) why they hired you. Just do you. Be the best you you can be. Just bring joy and happiness and embrace all your fans,'" she added.

Derek Hough, who is set to star as TV host Corny Collins in the upcoming live production, said the musical is pure entertainment but also has a very important message.

Talking about the musical and it's storyline of segregation in the 1960s, he said, "(It's) good entertainment for the whole family, but also with a very important, and very relevant message. Especially right now, so we're very privileged and honored to be a part of it."