HAIRSPRAY Extends At Paper Mill Playhouse 9/22-10/24

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director) announces that the 2010-2011 season opening production, Hairspray has extended its performance schedule. Originally scheduled to run through October 17, Hairspray will now run from September 22 through October 24, 2010. Casting will be announced soon. Hairspray is proudly sponsored by American Airlines, the official airline of Paper Mill Playhouse.

Press Opening is Sunday, September 26th at 7:00pm

Hairspray will play the following performance schedule: Wednesdays at 7:00PM, Thursdays at 1:30PM & 7:00PM, Fridays at 7:00PM, Saturdays at 1:30PM & 7:00PM and Sundays at 1:30PM & 7:00PM. Single tickets are now on sale and range in price from $25 to $92. Family week is September 22 through September 26, during which children's tickets are half off. Student rush tickets are $20 and are available the day of performance in person with current student ID. Tickets may be purchased by calling 973-376-4343, or at the Paper Mill Box Office on Brookside Drive in Millburn, or online at brand new website: www.papermill.org. Paper Mill Playhouse gift cards, available in any denomination, can be purchased at the Paper Mill Playhouse Box Office. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express accepted. Groups of ten or more can receive up to a 25% discount on tickets and should call 973-379-3636 ext.2438.

Winner of eight Tony Awards including "Best Musical" and "Best Original Score," the show Variety described as an "infinitely spirited, bubblegum-flavored confection," Hairspray launches Paper Mill Playhouse's 2010-2011 season, aerosol-style. You'll tap your feet to the beat as Tracy Turnblad and friends triumph over high school bullies, racism and enemies everywhere of big girls with big hair. Music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, and book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, viewers young and old will be shimmying in their seats as they enjoy hit favorites such as "I Can Hear The Bells," and "You Can't Stop The Beat." It's hair-hopping family fun in dazzling color and style.

Hairspray will be directed by Matt Lenz (original Broadway Direction by Jack O'Brien). Mr. Lenz recently was the Associate Director for Hairspray on Broadway, Las Vegas and Toronto productions. Other recent directing credits include: Wicked's 5th Anniversary Celebration at the Gershwin Theater on Broadway, Idaho! for the 2008 New York Musical Theater Festival, Saint Heaven, a world premiere musical at The Stamford Center for the Arts, Hairspray in South Africa, The Irish Curse by Martin Casella for the New York International Fringe Festival, South Pacific at Casa Mañana and North Carolina Theater, and Disney's Beauty and the Beast at The MUNY in St Louis. Mr. Lenz is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. Michelle Lynch joins the production as Choreographer, with re-created steps based on the Original Broadway Choreography by Jerry Mitchell. Ms. Lynch returns to Paper Mill Playhouse where she choreographed last season's Little House On The Prairie, featuring Melissa Gilbert. Her Off-Broadway credits include 2009's Everyday Rapture. She has also worked as Assistant Choreographer for productions of Disney High School Musical and Meet Me in St. Louis, and served as the Associate Choreographer to Jerry Mitchell for Broadway's Legally Blonde. Tom Helm, Paper Mill Playhouse's resident master of music will serve the production as Musical Director.

Celebrate the opening of the 2010-2011 season at The HairspRay Blowout Bash held in Taylor Park and Main Street in Downtown Millburn on Sunday, September 19th from 1:00pm until 5:00pm. This is a free, fun-filled event for the entire family featuring; games, rides, contests, music and more.

Paper Mill Playhouse, a not-for-profit arts organization, is one of the country's leading regional theatres. Paper Mill Playhouse programs are made possible, in part, by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, A Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and by funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support is provided by generous contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. Paper Mill Playhouse is a member of Theatre Communications Group, the National Alliance for Musical Theatre, the Council of Stock Theatres, and the New Jersey Theatre Alliance.