Winner Announced For Hairspray's Dance Invention Contest 9/22-10/24

Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee- Producing Artistic Director; Todd Schmidt-Managing Director) is proud to announce Mike Yoson of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey is the winner of its online video contest, Hairspray's Dance Invention. Contestants were challenged to come up with a new, original dance move to the music track "You Can't Stop the Beat" from Hairspray. Hairspray's Dance Invention promoted Paper Mill Playhouse's season opener Hairspray, which opened at the Millburn theater on September 22nd and will run until October 24th. Hairspray is proudly sponsored by American Airlines, the official airline of Paper Mill Playhouse.

Mr. Yoson's dance move titled, "The Prom Shuffle" was first selected as one of eight finalists, and then a public vote determined the winner. The contest had thousands of views on Paper Mill Playhouse's Facebook page. All eight finalists received a four pack of tickets to the opening night performance of Hairspray at Paper Mill Playhouse. As grand prize winner, Mr. Yoson received four admissions to the cast party, and had his dance invention, "The Prom Shuffle," performed by Tracy Turnblad herself, on stage. Mr. Yosen's video can be viewed through Paper Mill Playhouse's FaceBook page, by visiting Paper Mill Playhouse's website at www.papermill.org or on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAfJfZaABdY.

"Thank you so much for this opportunity," said winner Mike Yoson. "We had a blast at the show and at the cast party. The show was wonderful and filled with such a talented group of actors, and the party was beautiful. It was such an honor to be recognized on the Paper Mill Playhouse stage, and cannot thank you, the cast and crew, the production staff, and the audience enough for such an amazing evening!"

Hairspray's Dance Invention Contest was one of many viral and social media initiatives the Millburn Theater pursued to promote their production of Hairspray. Recently, the theater produced the Hairspray Flash Dance Mob with more than 130 dancers appearing to break out into spontaneous dance at local malls. Hairspray's Flash Dance Mob has received more than 65,000 views in just over three weeks.

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 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 $25 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 or more on tickets and should call 973-379-3636 ext.2438.

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.

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