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Winner Of Eight Tony Awards Including Best Musical! Adelaide Can Hear The Bells! Hairspray Adored By Audiences

Monday, 16 January 2023

ADELAIDE, FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — The 20th Anniversary Broadway production of Hairspray, currently at the Adelaide Festival Centre’s Festival Theatre, is delighting audiences and critics alike across South Australia with standing ovations, dancing in the aisles and glowing reviews.

Described as “the hottest ticket in town this January” (Glam Adelaide) and “sheer magic. It really is that good” (Adelaide Advertiser), Hairspray has received five-star reviews from reviewers and audiences alike.

Performing in Adelaide for the first time, the Advertiser said “Great music, great dance, sensational performances, and an indomitable spirit. With this level of talent (including a crack local band) and the sheer exuberance of the production, you’d have to be made of concrete not to enjoy it.”

Some of Australia’s favourite performers are brushing off their dancing feet, including the much-loved Shane Jacobson, who stars as beloved housewife Edna Turnblad, alongside the hilarious Todd McKenney as Wilbur Turnblad, Rhonda Burchmore as the villainous Velma Von Tussle, Bobby Fox as the lovable Corny Collins, Asabi Goodman as the powerhouse Motormouth Maybelle and introducing Carmel Rodrigues as Tracy Turnblad.

Acclaimed Director Jack O’Brien (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots), lead the original Broadway creative team to present the big hair and big-hearted musical Hairspray in Australia as originally intended.

Set in 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland, it tells the story of dance-loving teenager Tracy Turnblad who has one dream - to dance on The Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star and she must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a TV network... all without denting her 'do!

With a story more relatable and pertinent than ever, the Broadway production of Hairspray also toured nationally across the US, a West End production was nominated for a record-breaking 11 Olivier Awards and it was adapted as a film in 2007 starring John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken and Zac Efron.

“Hairspray dazzles, and as if the dynamism in the room during the performance wasn’t enough, you might find yourself dancing in the aisles at the end of the performance. It’s that kind of show; it’s completely contagious.” InDaily

A shining example of everything musical theatre should be – and a little bit more!”  The Upside News

John Frost for Crossroads Live Australia present

Hairspray

Starring Shane Jacobson, Todd McKenney, Rhonda Burchmore, Bobby Fox, Asabi Goodman, Javon King and introducing Carmel Rodrigues with Donna Lee

Adelaide Festival Centre’s Festival Theatre, Adelaide

Until January 28, 2023

Lyric Theatre, Sydney

From February 5 2023

Tickets on sale now via www.hairspraymusical.com.au

Find us on Facebook and Instagram @HairsprayMusicalAU @HairsprayMusical and Twitter @Hairspray_AU

Based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters

  • Book by Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan
  • Music by Marc Shaiman
  • Lyrics by Scott Wittmann & Marc Shaiman
  • Scenery Design David Rockwell
  • Costume Design William Ivey Long
  • Lighting Design Kenneth Posner
  • Sound Design Steve C. Kennedy
  • Original Wigs and Hair Paul Huntley

For further media information or interviews, please contact:

Jessica Bendell (National publicist) via jessica@jessicabendellpublicity.com.au  or phone 0412 369 015.

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