News

HAIRSPRAY will tour to Adelaide and Sydney

Producers of the original Tony Award winning Broadway production of Hairspray are thrilled to announce that the beloved production, which is soon to premiere at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre, will be touring to Adelaide and Sydney from late 2022. 

Acclaimed Director Jack O’Brien (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots), lead the original Broadway creative team to present the big hair and big-hearted musical Hairspray in Australia as originally intended. 

Some of Australia’s favourite performers are brushing off their dancing feet, including the much-loved Shane Jacobson, who will star as beloved housewife Edna Turnblad, alongside the hilarious Todd McKenney as Wilbur Turnblad, Rhonda Burchmore as the villainous Velma Von Tussle, Rob Mills as the lovable Corny Collins, Asabi Goodman as the powerhouse Motormouth Maybelle, Donna Lee and introducing Carmel Rodrigues as Tracy Turnblad. 

“I am delighted that the original Broadway version of Hairspray will be heading to Adelaide and Sydney. The characters in Hairspray are iconic and loved worldwide and the team have assembled an unbelievably talented and hilarious all-star cast for one of my most beloved musicals,” said producer John Frost. 

Set in 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland, it tells the story of dance-loving teenager Tracy Turnblad who has one dream – to dance on The Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, 

Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star and she must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a TV network… all without denting her ‘do! 

With a story more relatable and pertinent than ever, the Broadway production of Hairspray also toured nationally across the US, a West End production was nominated for a record-breaking 11 Olivier Awards and it was adapted as a film in 2007 starring John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken and Zac Efron.


John Frost for Crossroads Live Australia presents Hairspray 

Regent Theatre, Melbourne from August 2022 

Festival Theatre, Adelaide from December 2022 

Lyric Theatre, Sydney from February 2023 

For tickets for the Melbourne season and waitlist sign up for Adelaide and Sydney seasons visit www.hairspraymusical.com.au

Gabi Bergman

Gabi Bergman (she/her) is a Melbourne-based performer and educator, and the current Deputy Editor-in-Chief of AussieTheatre.com. She holds a double degree in Theatre Studies and Film/Screen Studies, along with a Master of Teaching (Secondary Education). A passionate advocate for inclusion and diversity in the arts, Gabi brings her deep love of storytelling to the stage, the page, and the classroom. A lifelong lover of theatre, she spends more on tickets than she’d like to admit. Her most prized possession is her ever-growing collection of theatre programs.

View Comments

Recent Posts

HEATED RIVALRY parody producers report recoupment as run extends to January 2027

Producers say HEATED RIVALRY: THE UNAUTHORIZED MUSICAL PARODY has recouped its approximately US$500,000 Off-Broadway capitalisation…

18 hours ago

Broadway’s &JULIET sets final performance for January 2027

Broadway's & JULIET will play its final performance at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre on 3…

18 hours ago

Gate Theatre to cease operations after 47 years

London’s Gate Theatre will cease operations at the end of October 2026 after 47 years,…

2 days ago

Arts Centre Melbourne to present landmark visual opera OPERATION:ORFEO

Arts Centre Melbourne today announced that OPERATION:ORFEO, a hypnotic depiction of the myth of Orpheus…

2 days ago

ROHTKO, Operation:Orfeo and The Avalanches announced as first events for Perth Festival 2027

Perth Festival today revealed that its 2027 program will open with the Australian exclusive season…

2 days ago

MJ THE MICHAEL JACKSON MUSICAL to play in Singapore from August 2027

Original Broadway Producers Lia Vollack and John Branca, alongside Michael Cassel and Base Entertainment Asia,…

2 days ago