Mekka & Landry to Star in Ogunquit's 'Hairspray'

The Ogunquit Playhouse announces Eddie Mekka and Ryan Landry will star in its production of Hairspray, which runs August 28 - September 15, in the roles of Wilbur and Edna Turnblad, respectively.

Television and film star, Mekka, who was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his role in The Lieutenant, is best known as Carmine Ragusa, "The Big Ragu" in the hit television comedy series "Laverne & Shirley," broadcast on ABC from January 1976 through May 1983.

Ryan Landry, Boston Celebrity of the Year (2006), appeared at The Playhouse as the wicked stepmother in last season's sentimental favorite, Cinderella, with Leslie Uggams.

"Set in Baltimore in the early 60s, Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion - to dance. Can a big girl with big dreams - and even bigger hair! - change the world…and still have time to win the boy she loves? With eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Book of a Musical, Hairspray has won the hearts of audiences of all ages. The show, which also won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, has become a musical-comedy phenomenon, piled bouffant-high with laughter and romance," state press notes.

The Playhouse stages one of the nation's first regional premieres of this spectacular musical, a co-production with Maine State Music Theatre of Brunswick.

Donna Drake, who appeared in the original cast of A Chorus Line on Broadway, will make her debut here at The Playhouse as Director/Choreographer; with Brian Cimmet as Music Director.

Performances of Hairspray begin Tuesday, August 28 and run through Saturday, September 15.  Show times are Tuesday-Friday evenings at 8PM; Saturday at 8:30 PM; weekday matinees Wednesday & Thursday at 2:30PM; and Sunday at 3:30PM.

Tickets are available now at the Ogunquit Playhouse Box Office at 207-646-5511 or by visiting the website at www.ogunquitplayhouse.org,.

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