HAIRSPRAY set to dazzle Sydney siders with the red carpet opening tomorrow night!

 

Hairspray is a musical comedy that takes place in Baltimore, Maryland in the 1960s. It centres around Tracy Turnblad, a teenage girl with big hair and big dreams who becomes an overnight celebrity after appearing on a local TV dance show. Along the way, she uses her newfound fame to fight for racial integration and equality. The musical features upbeat musical numbers and tackles themes of acceptance, tolerance, and the importance of standing up for what you believe in.

Hairspray the musical is based on the 1988 film of the same name written and directed by John Waters. The film was a cult classic that combined elements of comedy, drama, and musical to tell the story of a plump teenage girl named Tracy Turnblad who becomes a hero for racial equality when she appears on a local TV dance show. The musical adaptation of Hairspray debuted on Broadway in 2002 and has since become a beloved and popular show, known for its catchy musical numbers and positive message of acceptance and tolerance.

Some of Australia’s most popular performers are preparing to hit the stage, including the well-loved Shane Jacobson as Edna Turnblad, Todd McKenney as Wilbur Turnblad, Rhonda Burchmore as Velma Von Tussle, Bobby Fox as Corny Collins, Asabi Goodman as Motormouth Maybelle, and introducing Carmel Rodrigues as Tracy Turnblad.

 

With a story that is more relevant and significant than ever, Hairspray has had a successful run on Broadway and toured nationally across the US. The West End production of the show was nominated for a record-breaking 11 Olivier Awards, and a film adaptation was released in 2007 featuring John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, and Zac Efron.

The talented Jack O’Brien, (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), and Jerry Mitchell, the choreographer of Kinky Boots, were at the helm of the creative team for the Broadway production of Hairspray. The show is being presented in Australia with its original vision, under the direction of Matt Lenz and choreography re-created by Dominic Shaw. Get ready for a big-haired, big-hearted musical extravaganza!

It is being presented by John Frost for Crossroads Live Australia. John Frost is an Australian theatre producer and impresario. He is best known for producing and presenting some of the most popular and successful musicals and stage productions in Australia. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the Australian theatre industry and has helped bring some of the world’s most beloved musicals to audiences in Australia. Frost is widely regarded as one of the most influential and successful theatre producers in Australia and has helped establish the country as a major player in the international theatre world.

Celebrities from Sydney will attend the red carpet opening night event for the 20th anniversary of the original Broadway production of Hairspray.

Confirmed guests include Jayne Azzopardi, Rachael Beck, Tom Burlinson, Tina Bursill, Dan Doody, Kylie Gillies, David Koch, Carla from Bankstown, Rodger Corser, Olivia Frazer, Nancye Hayes, Deborah Knight, Lynne McGranger, Selin Mengu, Marvin Osifo, Anna Polyviou, Richard Reid, Belinda Russell, Smallzy, Amber Sherlock, Davina Smith, Nasser Sultan, James Tobin, Geraldine Turner, James Valentine, and many more.

 

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Season Details

Sydney
Venue: Lyric Theatre, Sydney
Opening Night: February 9th