Hairspray Announces Adelaide and Sydney Seasons

The producers of the original Tony Award winning Broadway production of Hairspray have announced that the production, which is soon to premiere at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre, will be touring to Adelaide and Sydney from late 2022.

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 Shane Jacobson, who will star as housewife Edna Turnblad, alongside Todd McKenney as Wilbur Turnblad, Rhonda Burchmore as the villainous Velma Von Tussle, Rob Mills as the Corny Collins, Asabi Goodman as Motormouth Maybelle, Donna Lee and introducing Carmel Rodrigues as Tracy Turnblad.  Click here for full cast details.

“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 present

Hairspray

Starring Shane Jacobson, Todd McKenney, Rhonda Burchmore, Rob Mills, Asabi Goodman, Javon King and introducing Carmel Rodrigues with Donna Lee

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

Hairspray is the cover story of our July / August edition - To read more click here

Based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters

Book by Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan

Music by Marc Shaiman

Lyrics by Scott Wittmann & Marc Shaiman

Scenery Design David Rockwell

Costume Design William Ivey Long

Lighting Design Kenneth Posner

Sound Design Steve C. Kennedy

Original Wigs and Hair Paul Huntley

Find Hairspray on Facebook and Instagram @HairsprayMusicalAU @HairsprayMusical and Twitter @Hairspray_AU

Photographer: Jeff Busby