Janney signs onto 'Hairspray' film

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Four-time Emmy winner Allison Janney has joined the cast of the new film version of "Hairspray," which starts shooting next month in Canada.

Adam Shankman's film is based on the Broadway show derived from the 1988 John Waters film that launched Ricki Lake's career. The cast also includes John Travolta, Christopher Walken, Queen Latifah and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Janney, who just wrapped a seven-year run on NBC's "The West Wing," will take on the role of Prudy Pingleton, played by Jackie Hoffman on Broadway, Playbill.com reported.

The new "Hairspray" will include musical numbers from the stage show, which has garnered numerous Tony Awards.

Janney is no stranger to the Broadway stage. She has four Tony nominations under her belt, including one for her performance in a 1988 revival of Arthur Miller's "A View from the Bridge."

"Hairspray" is expected to hit the screens next summer.