Mama frocked up, loaded up on the curls and hairspray, and headed to opening night at the Regent Theatre for the hottest new musical in town, Hairspray! And boy were we in for a treat.
You know that feeling when your cheeks hurt because you’ve been smiling too much? Yep, that’s what happened by interval, this musical extravaganza was so funny and fabulous! And what was equally fabulous was the Melbourne opening night, Aug 15th, was exactly 20 years to the day from when the much-loved production opened on Broadway! A great piece of nostalgia.
Melburnians, you are in for a real treat. And don’t worry Sydney and Adelaide, after the Melbourne season concludes, Hairspray will tour to Adelaide and Sydney.
Some of Australia’s favourite performers have brushed off their dancing shoes, 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, Rob Mills as the lovable Corny Collins, Asabi Goodman as the powerhouse Motormouth Maybelle, Donna Lee 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 this big hair and big-hearted musical Hairspray in Australia, along with Producer extraordinaire John Frost.
“I am delighted that the original Broadway version of Hairspray will be heading to Adelaide and Sydney. The characters in Hairspray are iconic and loved worldwide and the team have assembled an unbelievably talented and hilarious all-star cast for one of my most beloved musicals,”
John Frost – Producer
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.
John Frost for Crossroads Live Australia present
Starring Shane Jacobson, Todd McKenney, Rhonda Burchmore, Rob Mills, Asabi Goodman, Javon King and introducing Carmel Rodrigues with Donna Lee
Regent Theatre, Melbourne – From August 2022
Festival Theatre, Adelaide – From December 2022
Lyric Theatre, Sydney – From February 2023
For tickets for the Melbourne season and waitlist sign up for Adelaide and Sydney seasons visit www.hairspraymusical.com.au
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