Skeptics of musical theater like to ask, 'But how do they know the song?' when characters join in during a musical number. One of the virtues of HAIRSPRAY is that the audience itself actually does this: the songs are so catchy that we start singing along. This is appropriate, given the show's message of inclusivity and empowerment of the ordinary. Marc Shaiman (music and lyrics) and Scott Wittman (lyrics) are responsible for the irresistible score of this show, set in Baltimore in the 1960s, that follows plucky, overweight teenager Tracy Turnblad's quest to integrate the 'Corny Collins Show,' an AMERICAN BANDSTAND-style teen dance party that she adores. Along the way, she falls in love with one of its stars, locks horns with another, makes new friends who are black and have a different perspective and a different way of dancing, and finds a place for herself on the show and in life. And her mother Edna and best friend Penny also benefit from Tracy's widening world.
The first was the 1988 original film, the second was the 2002 Broadway musical, the third was its 2007 film adaptation, and then the 2016 live television production on NBC. As a Welcome to the 60's, let's go back to beginning to learn the history of the property itself.
Today, Lake speaks exclusively to BWW about her fond memories from the film and explains why she believes Tracy should exist for every generation of young women.
Today, Blonsky shares her fondest memories from the film, including meeting John Travolta for the very first time, and explains why she believes the message of Hairspray is one that still resonates today.
Under the direction of Artistic Director Bob Gunn, MenAlive -- now celebrating 15 seasons as Orange County's first and only Gay Men's Chorus -- will present a spectacular song-and-dance extravaganza showcasing some of Broadway's best musicals of the past 15 years... the very same time frame (from 2001 to 2016) of MenAlive's very existence.
Under the direction of Artistic Director Bob Gunn, MenAlive -- now celebrating 15 seasons as Orange County's first and only Gay Men's Chorus -- will present a spectacular song-and-dance extravaganza showcasing some of Broadway's best musicals of the past 15 years... the very same time frame (from 2001 to 2016) of MenAlive's very existence.
Get set for a high-octane ride with thrilling choreography, rockin' tunes and explosively colorful costumes - plus some really cool hairdos - when the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora, presents HAIRSPRAY - The Broadway Musical, tonight, January 20, through February 21, 2016.
Get set for a high-octane ride with thrilling choreography, rockin' tunes and explosively colorful costumes - plus some really cool hairdos - when the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora, presents HAIRSPRAY - The Broadway Musical, January 20 - February 21, 2016.
Two time Tony Award nominated producer, two time Grammy Award nominated record producer and internationally acclaimed Music Director/Pianist Michael J. Moritz Jr. announces US Coaching Tour, spanning 15 cities over 45 days this October-November. Sessions are available for all ages and skill level.
Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are two of the most renowned producers working in the industry today. They are best known for their work on the past three Academy Awards ceremonies, The Sound of Music Live!, Peter Pan Live! and Smash. Their Broadway credits include Promises, Promises and How to Succeed in Buisness Without Really Trying. Film credits include Hairspray, Chicago, A Raisin in the Sun and Footloose. Upcoming projects include The Wiz Live!, the movie adaptation of Pippin and much more.
Nikki Blonsky, who was originally scheduled to perform in Tim Realbuto's Bookseller in the Rain Maury Yeston tribute concert, had to withdraw from the production due to a severe flu that has left her on bed rest with extremely strict orders from her doctors.
American Idol's Eric Anthony Lopez completes the principal list of special guest stars for Tim Realbuto's Bookseller in the Rain, a tribute to the music of legendary composer Maury Yeston. Mr. Lopez joins previously announced Golden Globe nominee Nikki Blonsky (Hairspray), Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins (Caroline, or Change),Mara Davi ('Smash'), Jenna Leigh Green ('Sabrina, the Teenage Witch'), Joshua Colley (Les Miserables), Christine Dwyer (Wicked), Ovation Award nominee Erika Amato (Flashdance), Kimberly Faye Greenberg (Danny and Sylvia), Abigail Ludrof (The HVAC Plays), and Emily Esposito (A Christmas Story). Also present will be our guest of honor, Tony Award winning and Oscar nominated composer Maury Yeston.
Aaron Walpole (Les Miserables), Wendi Bergamini (Doctor Zhivago), and Natalie Ballenger (Orange Blossoms) complete the list of special guest stars for Tim Realbuto's Maury Yeston tribute concert Bookseller in the Rain. Bergamini and Walpole join previously announced Golden Globe nominee Nikki Blonsky (Hairspray), Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins (Caroline, or Change), Mara Davi ('Smash'), Jenna Leigh Green ('Sabrina, the Teenage Witch'), Laurissa Romain ('Top Five'), Joshua Colley (Les Miserables), Christine Dwyer (Wicked), Ovation Award nominee Erika Amato (Flashdance), Kimberly Faye Greenberg (Danny and Sylvia), Abigail Ludrof (The HVAC Plays), and Emily Esposito (A Christmas Story). Also present will be our guest of honor, Tony Award winning and Oscar nominated composer Maury Yeston.
Golden Globe nominee Nikki Blonsky (Hairspray; "Huge"), Mara Davi (A Chorus Line; Death Takes A Holiday), and Christine Dwyer (Wicked; Rent) join previously announced Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins (Caroline, or Change), Jenna Leigh Green ("Sabrina, the Teenage Witch"), Laurissa Romain ("Top Five"), Joshua Colley (Les Miserables), Ovation Award nominee Erika Amato (Flashdance), Kimberly Faye Greenberg (Danny and Sylvia), Abigail Ludrof (The HVAC Plays), and Emily Esposito (A Christmas Story) as the special guest stars for Tim Realbuto's Maury Yeston tribute concert Bookseller in the Rain.
