Let your hair down and dance the night away at "Hairspray"
Hairspray, Broadway's musical comedy phenomenon, is coming to the IU Auditorium. After its acclaimed world premiere at Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre in June 2002, the fantastically fun musical opened on Broadway in August 2002 to rave reviews, winning eight 2003 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. And now, it will sweep away its Bloomington audience to 1960s Baltimore in this mega-hit, piled bouffant-high with laughter and romance -- and enough deliriously tuneful songs to fill a nonstop platter party.
In Hairspray, it's 1962—the '50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion—to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, "The Corny Collins Show" and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a plus-size trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do? Only in Hairspray. Welcome to the '60s!
Hairspray is based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, who served as a creative consultant on the musical comedy. It features a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan. Hairspray features an original score by Academy Award-nominated Marc Shaiman (who co-wrote the music and lyrics for the acclaimed animated musical, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut) and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. This production of Hairspray is based on Jack O'Brien's original direction and Jerry Mitchell's original choreography, recreated by Matt Lenz and Danny James Austin, respectively. Scenic design is by David Rockwell; the set coordinator is Michael Allen; costume design is by William Ivey Long; lighting design is by Kenneth Posner and Paul Miller; the sound is by Shannon Slaton; wig and hair design is by Paul Huntley; and the musical supervisor is Lon Hoyt. Hairspray is produced by NETworks Presentations.
Hairspray will play Feb. 6-8, at the IU Auditorium. Tickets are $37-$59 for the general public and $19-$40 for IU Bloomington students. Tickets are available at the IU Auditorium Box Office (1211 E. Seventh St.) or online at IUauditorium.com. For more information visit IUauditorium.com or call 812-855-1103.
