Travolta and Latifah in Hairspray

Production will begin next September in Baltimore and Toronto, and the film should be in theatres by summer, 2007.

Travolta will play Edna Turnblad and Latifah will play Motormouth Maybelle, a civil rights activist and dance-show hostess.

Shankman, who also will be the film’s choreographer, has already directed Latifah in Bringing Down the House, which showcased the actress’s vocal talents.