Chanhassen Dinner Theatres Extends HAIRSPRAY

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres has announced that it will extend its currently running Main Stage production of HAIRSPRAY. Originally slated to close on January 28th, HAIRSPRAY will be extended through May 26th, 2012.

Critics have showered their praises for Chanhassen's HAIRSPRAY. Graydon Royce, Star Tribune theatre critic for the past 11 years called HAIRSPRAY, "the best show I've seen at Chanhassen in eleven years...joy radiates...electricity fills every soaring musical number!" Chris Hewitt of the St. Paul Pioneer Press wrote, "HAIRSPRAY is expertly sung, smartly costumed...better than the original Broadway production!" Ellen Burkhardt of Minnesota Monthly said, "Every song warrants a standing ovation." Ed Huyck of CityPages stated, "Bright, fast-moving, and loud: just the way we like it!" Best of Broadway's Herb Kroon said, "This production is pure joy. I guarantee it will leave you dancing in the aisles." The Yahoo Contributor Network commented, "Brindisi should be nicknamed Midas, because every show he touches turns to gold!" In fact, HAIRSPRAY has garnered more positive reviews and guest comments than any other Chanhassen production over the past two decades.

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' owners officially announced the extension on Friday, November 4th, and a new media campaign to promote the extension will go into effect Sunday, November 6th. Chanhassen Dinner Theatres' President and Resident Artistic Director Michael Brindisi stated, "This show has incredible appeal. Every night when I walk through the theatre, audience members, young and old alike, are cheering and dancing." HAIRSPRAY continues to sell even during strained economic times. Brindisi continued, "People still want to celebrate their special occasions and have a good time. HAIRSPRAY is one of those feel-good musicals that is full of hope and promise. And our product is a remarkable value. For one price you can enjoy dinner, a big Broadway show, even free parking."

Sales and Marketing Director Katie Knutson is also pleased with the decision. She said, "It's selling well and we're looking ahead to the busy holiday and spring seasons that include many groups. It has the legs to go the distance." In the coming weeks, the theatre will announce what Main Stage production will follow HAIRSPRAY. Continued Knutson, "Our audiences look forward to what's next. We want to bring something fresh and new to our Main Stage and have it narrowed down to a select few titles."
HAIRSPRAY is the contagiously delightful Broadway musical and winner of eight Tony Awards (out of thirteen nominations) including Best Musical. The musical HAIRSPRAY with music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman, and book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, is based on the 1988 John Waters film by the same title. In 1962 Baltimore, pleasantly plump teenager Tracy Turnblad's dream is to dance on "The Corny Collins Show," a local TV dance program based on the real-life "Buddy Deane Show." When Tracy garners a role on the show, she becomes an overnight teen sensation, but she must use her newfound power and the help of a crazy cast of characters to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network, all without denting her ‘do!

Chanhassen newcomer Therese Walth plays leading character "Tracy Turnblad" with sweet sincerity and sassy spunk. Brindisi said, "The audience loves "Tracy." She's bold, courageous and stands up for what she believes in. Therese is also a vocal powerhouse and by the end of the opening number, "Good Morning, Baltimore," the audience is completely won over."
HAIRSPRAY is loaded with two dozen catchy original tunes with a ‘60s flavor that's appealing and joyful. Song titles include; "Good Morning, Baltimore," "Mama I'm A Big Girl Now," "Big, Blonde and Beautiful," "I Can Hear The Bells," "It Takes Two" and "You Can't Stop The Beat."

HAIRSPRAY, presented by Regis Salons, will be performed eight times weekly with evening performances Tuesdays through Sundays and matinees on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Dinner and show ticket prices are as follows: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday evenings $68; Friday $79; Saturday evening $79; Wednesday matinee $59; Saturday matinee $63; and Sunday $69. Show-only tickets are available no sooner than ten days prior to the performance. Student Rush tickets may be purchased one hour prior to the performance with valid student ID, and are based on availability. For tickets and information call the theatre box office at (952) 934-1525 or (800) 362-3515. For parties of 15 or more, contact Group Sales at 952-934-1547 or (800) 355-6273 or go online to www.ChanhassenDT.com.