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Eight-time Tony winner 'Hairspray' at MillerDec. 2, 2008 KALAMAZOO--Broadway's "Hairspray," the inspiration behind the major motion picture, will be at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium for one show at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7. 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. When the 16 year old wins a spot on "The Corny Collins Show," a local TV dance program, she is transformed from outsider to teen celebrity overnight. But can a plus-size trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of hunky Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her hairdo? Only in "Hairspray." The musical comedy won eight 2003 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and is enjoying its fifth year on Broadway. In 2007, London's West End production of "Hairspray" was nominated for a record-breaking 11 Olivier Awards and nabbed four, including Best New Musical. It also took Best New Musical in all of Britain's other top awards programs, including the Evening Standard, Critic's Circle and What's On Stage. "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, an original score by Academy Award-nominated Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The production is based on Jack O'Brien's original direction and Jerry Mitchell's original choreography, recreated by Matt Lenz and Danny James Austin, respectively. Other creative support is provided by David Rockwell, scenic design; Michael Allen, set coordinator; William Ivey Long, costume design; Kenneth Posner and Paul Miller, lighting design; Shannon Slaton, sound; Paul Huntley, wig and hair design; and Lon Hoyt, musical supervisor. "Hairspray" is produced by NETworks Presentations. Tickets for "Hairspray" at Miller Auditorium are on sale now and range from $25 to $50. They are available by calling (269) 387-2300 or (800) 228-9858, online at millerauditorium.com, or by visiting the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office or Epic Center Box Office in downtown Kalamazoo. Groups of 20 or more should call (269) 387-2312 for special discounts. Media contact: Tracey Lawie (269) 387-2309, tracey.lawie@wmich.edu WMU News |
