HAIRSPRAY (The Musical)

One of the newest musicals to make its Broadway debut, “Hairspray” opened at the Neil Simon Theatre on August 15, 2002 (previews began July 18th).

Some may remember a very young Ricki Lake starring in the 1988 movie version of Hairspray (not a musical). Hairspray, the movie, was written and directed by John Waters http://www.dreamlandnews.com/history/ind... .

HAIRSPRAY (The Musical)

Book: Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan

Music: Marc Shaiman

Lyrics: Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman

Director: Jack O’Brien

Choreography: Jerry Mitchell

Set in the 1960’s, “Hairspray” is the story of a plump young girl, Tracy Turnblad, whose love of dancing secures her a chance to be on a local t.v. dance program. Tracy is soon catapulted from an ordinary girl into somewhat of a teen star – much to the surprise of everybody.

The score contains the snappy, boppy musical style of 50’s/60’s rock-and-roll; however reviewers find the music very similar to shows like “Grease” and “Rocky Horror”. It isn’t the music itself that is winning acclaim with audiences, but the delivery of the music by the incredible performances of Harvey Fierstein. (Harvey plays a woman in the show).

“Hairspray” stars Marissa Jaret Winokur as Tracy Turnblad and Harvey Fierstein as her mother, Edna.

Marissa Jaret Winokur, http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/Per... / http://www.nytheatre.com/nytheatre/v_win... has appeared on t.v. in numerous shows ( including a recurring role on “Dharma and Greg”) as well as several movies (including “American Beauty” and “Scary Movie”.) Ms. Winokur made her Broadway debut in a revival of “Grease” before landing the role of Tracy in “Hairspray”.

Harvey Fierstein, http://www.hollywood.com/celebs/detail/c... won a Tony award as the author and star of “Torch Song Trilogy” and for writing the book for “La Cage aux Folles”. Mr. Fierstein has also appeared in many of Hollywood’s biggest films including, “Independence Day” and “Mrs. Doubtfire” as well as starring in a movie version of his play, “Torch Song Trilogy”. He has also been a guest on several prime time t.v. shows including, “Cheers”.

Marc Shaiman, http://www.hollywood.com/celebs/bio/cele... has numerous movie credits from “The First Wives’ Club” to the animated musical, “South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut”. His music can be found in the scores of many off-Broadway musicals. Mr. Shaiman’s career has spanned many decades and he has worked with a great variety of celebrity performers. He began his career as Bette Midler’s vocal arranger and later her music director. He has been either music director or arranger for notable stars ranging from Rosemary Clooney to Barbra Streisand.

The collaborating team of Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan are no strangers to writing for the stage. Mr. O’Donnell has written several plays (many one-acts) and has had two of his novels published as well as some of his comic stories. His writing has appeared in mainstream newspapers like The New York Times. Thomas Meehan was the 2001 Tony award winner for co-writing the book for Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” as well as winning the 1977 Tony for his book for the musical, “Annie”.

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