Las Vegas Sun Incorrect; Paul Vogt to Take Over for Fierstein in Vegas Hairspray

Contrary to a report in the Las Vegas Sun, John Goodman will not be playing Edna Turnblad in the Las Vegas production of Hairspray.

Comic actor and "Mad TV" sketch comedian Paul Vogt and veteran theater actor (with whom the Sun article had erroneously stated Goodman would alternate in the role) and "Laverne & Shirley" alum Eddie Mekka will instead begin performances as Edna and Wilbur Turnblad in Hairspray at the Luxor Las Vegas beginning May 1. The two will succeed, respectively, Harvey Fierstein (who won a Tony Award for creating that role on Broadway) and Dick Latessa, who also originated his role in the Broadway cast. "We're thrilled to have two great veteran actors joining our amazing cast as we continue to build the brand of Hairspray in Las Vegas," said producer Michael Gill. Vogt, best known for his recurring role on "MADtv," first received Hollywood recognition when he starred on NBC's "The Rerun Show." His theater credits include The Grand Duchess, Happy Days The Musical and Beanstalk. His film credits include Princess Diaries II, Raising Helen and Lilo & Stitch 2. Mekka debuted on Broadway in 1974 starring in Jumpers followed by his big break as the lead in Lieutenant, earning him Tony Award and Drama Desk Award nominations. His television credits include "24," "The Guiding Light," "Happy Days;" his most memorable role was perhaps Carmine "The Big Ragoo" Ragusa in the hit television series "Laverne & Shirley." Hairspray began performances at the Luxor Las Vegas on February 6th before opening on February 15th. The show also features Susan Anton (The Will Rogers Follies, Hurlyburly) as the villainous Velma Von Tussle, Katrina Dideriksen as spirited heroine Tracy Turnblad, Austin Miller as heartthrob Link Larkin, Kevin Spirtas as Corny Collins, Terry L. Daniels as Seaweed, Fran Jaye as Motormouth Maybelle, Chandra Lee Schwartz as Penny Pingleton, Katharine Leonard as Amber Von Tussle, Ed Romanoff as Male Authority Figure (and understudy for Edna and Wilbur), Susan Mosher as Female Authority Figure, and Carla Duren as Inez. The original Broadway creative team returned for the Las Vegas production, which clocks in at 90 minutes without an intermission. Hairspray tells of overweight teenager Tracy Turnblad's ascent into love, happiness and stardom on a 60's dance show, which she helps to racially integrate. The Broadway show was itself based on John Waters' 1988 film. It opened in August of 2002 and garnered 8 Tonys, including Best Musical, Best Original Score for Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, Best Book of a Musical for Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, Best Direction of a Musical for Jack O'Brien, Best Actor in a Musical for Fierstein and Best Actress in a Musical for Marissa Jaret Winokur. Jerry Mitchell received a Tony nomination for his choreography.The Las Vegas production of Hairspray once again features costumes by William Ivey Long, lighting by Kenneth Posner, sets by David Rockwell, sound by Steve Kennedy, and hair and wigs by Paul Huntley. Lon Hoyt is the music supervisor, while Michael Gill and Myron Martin are the Las Vegas producers, Elayne Herrick, John Halle, Mike Tricarichi, Pat Caddick and Neil Miller are the executive producers and David Caldwell is the associate producer. The show plays eight performances a week. Tickets for regular performances are $85 (main floor) and $65 (for mezzanine), plus tax and handling fees. Call (800) 557-7428 or (702) 262-4444 or visit www.luxor.com for tickets. For group sales, call (702) 262-4525.

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