Broadway's "Hairspray" coming to UF in December

November 16, 2006

“Hairspray,” Broadway’s musical comedy phenomenon, is coming to the Phillips Center for two 7:30 p.m. performances Dec. 5 and 6. After its acclaimed world premiere at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre in June 2002, the fantastically fun musical opened on Broadway in August 2002 to rave reviews, winning eight 2003 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

In “Hairspray,” it’s 1962; the ’50s are out, and change is in the air. Baltimore’s Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion — to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, “The Corny Collins Show,” and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a plus-size trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program’s reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a television show without denting her ‘do?

“Hairspray” is based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, who served as a creative consultant on the musical comedy. It features a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan. “Hairspray” features an original score by Academy Award-nominated Marc Shaiman (who co-wrote the music and lyrics for the acclaimed animated musical, “South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut”) and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. This production of “Hairspray” is based on Jack O’Brien’s original direction and Jerry Mitchell’s original choreography.

Tickets are available by calling the Phillips Center Box Office at (352) 392-2787.