Hairspray reaches another milestone

 

This month, AussieTheatre.com’s featured show is Hairspray – The Musical, and we kick off our coverage with a celebration of the show’s success so far…

This month, AussieTheatre.com’s featured show is Hairspray – The Musical, and we kick off our coverage with a celebration of the show’s success so far…

Since October last year the critically-acclaimed musical has had audiences up on their feet night after night both in Melbourne and in Sydney. Currently playing at Star City’s Lyric Theatre, the feel-good musical celebrated its 300th performance, with the company enjoying a specially designed cake for the occasion (pictured, right). 

This all-Australian production of the Broadway musical has earned seven Helpmann Award nominations this year, including Best Musical, and the company is set to be performing a number at the award ceremony this evening. Critics have united in their praise for the spectacle, originality and cutting-edge technology that the show uses to transport audiences to a visually astonishing world where anything seems possible.

Set in Baltimore, 1962, the show stars Jaz Flowers as Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, who has only one passion, to DANCE! After winning a spot on the local TV dance program, “The Corny Collins Show” she is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. 

Choreographed by Jason Coleman and directed by David Atkins, Hairspray’s authentic and unforgettable Motown score stays with you long after you leave the theatre. 

Hairspray first opened on Broadway on 18th July 2002, and played until January 2009 (6 and 1/2 years). It is a fantastically fun musical and winner of 30 major awards including: Tony Award for Best Musical (2003), Tony Award for Best Original Score (2003), Olivier Award for Best New Musical (2008) and a Grammy Award for Best Show Album (2002). 

Who knows, the show may add some more awards to its collection after the Helpmann Awards tonight!  

Hairspray is currently playing at Star City’s Lyric Theatre for a strictly limited season. To buy tickets, click here