As NBC’s Will & Grace prepares to bring its final season to a close, cast members shared the news that the hit sitcom will pay homage to another legendary TV series, I Love Lucy.
EW reports the tribute episode, set to air in the spring, will offer three cast members – Debra Messing, Megan Mullally and Sean Hayes – all taking on the role of the irrepressible redhead in iconic scenes from the beloved 1950s series.
Messing will take on Lucy’s loopy “Vitameatavegamin” scene, while Hayes will attempt to keep up in the continually-accelerating conveyor belt in the chocolate factory.
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Mullally will, appropriately, have an alcohol-related scene as she stomps grapes at an Italian winery.
In each of the excerpts, Eric McCormack will become play Ricky Ricardo as the other cast members rotate in the roles of Fred and Ethel Mertz.
In a nod to the original series’ comedic genius, the writers of Will & Grace will present the scenes scripted exactly as they were over 70 years ago.
Plus, for a touch of authenticity, Lucie Arnaz, the daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, will make a cameo appearance as the no-nonsense supervisor in the chocolate factory scene.
“I know my parents would be over the moon to be honored in this way and by such similar talents who bring the same kind of joy to audiences as they did in I Love Lucy, said Arnaz in a statement. “I’m thrilled to be invited to the party and will do my best to honor the memory of Elvia Allman’s iconic performance.”
Messing shared a jaw-dropping, behind-the-scenes photo of her done up as Lucille Ball writing, “I can’t wait until you see all the mind-blowing work done by Costumes, Sets & Set Dressing, Props et al when it airs next spring.”
Will & Grace airs Thursdays on NBC at 9:30 p.m. ET.
