Hairspray The Musical, which has enjoyed success on Broadway, opened booking this weekend for its London run, previewing in the Shaftesbury theatre from 11 October (press night 30 October).
Based on the cult 1988 film written by John Waters and starring Ricki Lake, Hairspray is set in Baltimore, 1962, and tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, who wins a spot on the local TV dance programme and dances her way from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But will she be able to change the world and win the boy she loves, all without denting her hairdo?
Hairspray The Musical has been running on Broadway since August 2002 and picked up eight Tony Awards at the 2003 ceremony, including Best Musical. The show has music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman, with a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan. A new film of Hairspray, based on the stage musical, is released this year with an all-star cast including John Travolta as Tracy’s mother Edna.
No casting has yet been confirmed for the London stage production of Hairspray.
Currently at the Shaftesbury is Fame The Musical, which is enjoying a summer season back in the West End and is booking until 1 September. em>CB