hairspray the musical tour 2023 scotland

Hairspray The Musical

The ultimate feel-good musical comedy hairspray is returning to the king's theatre glasgow with a production, guaranteed to have you dancing the night away.

About Hairspray The Musical

The musical phenomenon Hairspray returns! After breaking box office records and delighting audiences in the West End, Broadway and on the big screen since 1988, this smash hit musical-comedy is heading back out on tour around the UK and Ireland. You can’t stop OUR beat- HAIRSPRAY is BACK ON TOUR - so run and tell that! The ultimate feel-good musical in back on tour! Welcome to the 60s, where everyone’s grooving to a brand-new sound! Enter Tracy Turnblad, with big hair, big heart, and big dreams to dance her way onto national TV. On her journey to become accepted, Tracy befriends Link Larkin the teen idol, Seaweed, Little Innez and Motormouth Maybelle who stand with her to fight intolerance, bigotry and racism as they strive to bring unity to the city of Baltimore. Can the new girl in town help win equality and Link Larkin's heart? This fun-filled, feel good show is bursting with show-stopping numbers, dazzling costumes, and dizzying dance-routines that you can’t help but shimmy too! Featuring some of musical theatre’s biggest and best hit songs, including Welcome To The 60s, You Can’t Stop The Beat, Good Morning Baltimore and so many more, Hairspray is the hilarious, joyous, and uplifting musical for all!

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You can’t stop our beat - Hairspray is back on tour - so run and tell that!

The musical phenomenon Hairspray returns! After breaking box office records and delighting audiences in the West End, Broadway and on the big screen since 1988, this smash hit musical-comedy is heading back out on tour around the UK and Ireland.

Welcome to the 60s, where everyone’s grooving to a brand-new sound! Enter Tracy Turnblad, with big hair, big heart, and big dreams to dance her way onto national TV. On her journey to become accepted, Tracy befriends Link Larkin the teen idol, Seaweed, Little Innez and Motormouth Maybelle who stand with her to fight intolerance, bigotry and racism as they strive to bring unity to the city of Baltimore. Can the new girl in town help win equality and Link Larkin’s heart?

This fun-filled, feel-good show is bursting with show-stopping numbers, dazzling costumes, and dizzying dance-routines that you can’t help but shimmy too!

Featuring some of musical theatre’s biggest and best hit songs, including Welcome To The 60s, You Can’t Stop The Beat, Good Morning Baltimore and so many more, Hairspray is the hilarious, joyous, and uplifting musical for all!

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Hairspray The Musical, Edinburgh Playhouse

The ultimate feel-good musical in back on tour!

The musical phenomenon Hairspray returns! After breaking box office records and delighting audiences in the West End, Broadway and on the big screen since 1988, this smash hit musical-comedy is heading back out on tour around the UK and Ireland.

Welcome to the 60s, where everyone’s grooving to a brand-new sound! Enter Tracy Turnblad, with big hair, big heart, and big dreams to dance her way onto national TV. On her journey to become accepted, Tracy befriends Link Larkin the teen idol, Seaweed, Little Innez and Motormouth Maybelle who stand with her to fight intolerance, bigotry and racism as they strive to bring unity to the city of Baltimore. Can the new girl in town help win equality and Link Larkin’s heart?

“Wonderfully fresh and vivid” – THE STAGE

Date: Saturday 12th October 2024 Time: Show begins at 7.30pm Venue: Edinburgh Playhouse Seating: Centre Stalls Departure: Includes return coach from Civic Centre, Ardrossan, Thorne Travel, Kilwinning, Irvine Townhouse & Queens Drive, Kilmarnock Price: Only £78 per adult

Deposit: £10 per person deposit available Balance due: 10th August 2024

• 1.30pm – Ardrossan Civic Centre pickup
• 2.00pm – Kilwinning Thorne Travel pickup
• 2.15pm – Irvine Townhouse pickup
• 2.30pm – Kilmarnock Queens Drive pickup
• 4.30pm – Approx. arrival Edinburgh City Centre
• Free time to enjoy the sights of the capital city before the show
• 7.30pm – Show begins in the Edinburgh Playhouse
• 10.00pm – Approx. show ends and coach departs Edinburgh
• 11.30pm – Approx. arrival in Kilmarnock
• 11.45pm – Approx. arrival in Irvine
• 12.00pm – Approx. arrival in Kilwinning
• 12.15pm – Approx. arrival in Ardrossan

Edinburgh Playhouse

Register for the trip at requested pick up point, where a member of staff will give you your theatre tickets and direct you to the coach for departure.

From: £ 78.00

One Person - Saturday 12th October 2024:

Pick up location: Kilwinning Pickup Ardrossan Pickup Irvine Pickup Kilmarnock Pickup

Your itinerary will be sent by email one week before this trip. If you require reserved seating on our luxury coach, please advise at time of booking to help us meet your needs.

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18-22 Greenside Place, Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 3AA

October 7 - 12, 2024

Re-establishes Hairspray as one of the great dance musicals... A near perfect balance of book and music, celebrating mankind's capacity for change and acceptance

Why See Hairspray?

Musicals Lgbtq Classic

You Can't Stop The Beat

Eight-time Tony and four-time Olivier Award-winning musical smash hit Hairspray spreads its toe-tapping magic across the UK once more during a hotly anticipated regional tour in 2024! Based on the 1988 feature film, the effervescent production first wowed audiences in Seattle in the early 2000s, with acclaimed Broadway and West End runs following soon after. 

What's the story?

Ebullient songs like 'You Can't Stop The Beat', 'I Can Hear The Bells', and 'Good Morning Baltimore', punctuate a coming-of-age story as bold and big as its character's hairstyles. Curvy teenager Tracy Turnblad shakes up the status quo when she auditions for a regular spot on The Corny Collins Show and wins. Becoming an overnight sensation and relatable role model, she sees beyond the trendsetting and sets out on a path to bring racial integration to the popular variety show. 

Additional Information

Opening night: 7 October 2024

Cast and Creative

Alexandra Emmerson-Kirby as Tracy Turnblad Michelle Ndegwa as Motormouth Maybelle Norman Pace as Wilbur Turnblad Neil Hurst as Edna Turnblad Joanne Clifton as Velma Gina Murray as Velma (July 16 - September 7) Soloman Davy as Link Larkin Allana Taylor as Amber Von Tussle Rebecca Jane Davies as Penny Pingleton Reece Richards as Seaweed Katlo as Little Inez

Ben Anderson, Grace Anyiam, Nina Bell, Joseph Bristow, Vanessa Dumatey, Rebecca French, Stuart Hickey, Jaiden Lodge, Olly Manley, Sasha Monique, Jacob Smith, and Issy Wilman.

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Musical Theatre News

TheatreSpy has the latest news and gossip about West End musicals, tours and concerts featuring musical theatre artists

Tuesday, October 3

Creative team and dates for new tour of hairspray the musical.

Open Auditions will be held in November 2023. Please visit the website for more details: www.hairsprayuktour.com

This iconic musical comedy featuring some of m usical theatre’s best hit songs including   Welcome To The 60s, You Can’t Stop The Beat and Good Morning Baltimore by Academy Award, Tony and Emmy winning duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman will visit venues including : Manchester Palace (16 – 27 July), Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff  (29 July – 3 August), Canterbury Marlowe (6 – 10 August), Liverpool Empire (19 – 24 August), Belfast Grand Opera House (26 – 31 August), Milton Keynes Theatre (2 – 7 September ), Southend Cliffs Pavilion (9 - 14 September), Birmingham Hippodrome (16 – 21 September), Edinburgh Playhouse (7 – 12 October), Sheffield Theatres (14 - 19 September ), New Wimbledon Theatre (21 – 26 September), Nottingham Theatre Royal (4 – 9 November), Newcastle Theatre Royal (11 - 16 November), Hull New Theatre (18 – 23 November), Bradford Theatres (25 – Sat 30 November), Southampton Mayflower (6 – 11 January), Aberdeen His Majesty’s Theatre (20 – 25 January), Glasgow Kings Theatre (27 Jan – 1 February 2024), Further dates will be announced in due course.

Brenda Edwards said:

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be invited by the producers to make my directorial debut on the show as a co-director with Paul Kerryson. Hairspray, and this production in particular, has been such a huge part of my life. The show’s story and themes are as relevant as ever and I cannot wait to hold the open auditions to discover a new cast and work together to present a vibrant new production of this timeless musical for everyone to enjoy.”

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Musicals On Tour UK lists all the musicals on tour in the UK now, and all the touring musicals coming to the UK in 2024 and 2025.   (There are even some dates for 2026!) 

New shows, old favourites and West-End musicals on tour – we list them all!

Have a look below, is there something you've been waiting to see? Click through for show info and full touring schedules , complete with a handy link straight to the booking page of the theatre of your choice.

If you prefer, you can search by location… just click on your nearest town or city to see all the shows coming to your local venue >>

MusicalsOnTour.co.uk  lists all the musicals on tour in the UK now, and all the touring musicals coming to the UK in 2024 and 2025. (There are even dates for 2026!)

You can Search by Show below, or you  can Search by Location in the sidebar or a little lower down (depending on how you are holding your device.)  

Musicals On Tour UK   lists all the musicals touring the UK now, and all the touring shows coming to the UK in 2024 and 2025 (and even 2026!)

Search by Location below, or scroll down a little further and search by Show .

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MUSICALS ON TOUR IN THE UK & IRELAND

• Click here if you prefer to see the musical touring shows as a LIST

& Juliet Tour

101 Dalmatians The Musical Tour

A Chorus Line

Aladdin the Musical

An Officer and a Gentleman – The Musical

Blood Brothers Tour

Burlesque the Musical

Calamity Jane

Chicago the Musical

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Come From Away

Dear Evan Hansen Tour

ELF the Musical – A Christmas Spectacular

Everybody's Talking About Jamie

Ghost The Musical

Grease The Musical

Hairspray UK Tour

Hamilton UK Tour

Heathers UK Tour

Here & Now – The Steps Musical

Here You Come Again – The New Dolly Parton Musical

Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds – Alive on Stage!

Jesus Christ Superstar

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Kinky Boots the Musical

Les Misérables – The Arena Spectacular

Mary Poppins – The Musical

NOW That's What I Call A Musical

Only Fools and Horses The Musical

Pretty Woman The Musical

Rocky Horror Show

Shrek the Musical

Sister Act The Musical Tour

Six the Musical Tour

The Book of Mormon Tour

The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe

The Wizard of Oz

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical UK Tour

Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch

Wicked the Musical UK Tour

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• Bournemouth
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• Northampton
• Peterborough
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• Southend-on-Sea
• Stockton-on-Tees
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• Wolverhampton

The first outdoor theatre staging of Hairspray in the UK. It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. 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!

Hairspray, The Broadway Musical

Music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, book by Mark...

Kilworth House Theatre

27 June – 6 August 2023

Cast revealed for Leicestershire’s open-air Hairspray

All information was correct to the best of our knowledge from details supplied to us but may be subject to change or inaccuracies. Please contact the companies or venues to confirm details.

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• Upcoming City: DALLAS, TX

GREG KALAFATAS

Edna turnblad.

GREG KALAFATAS ( Edna Turnblad ). Greg is beyond excited to be touring the country performing a dream role in this dream of a show! A native of Massachusetts, Greg has had the privilege to travel around the country and the world, performing on land and the high seas. Previous national tours include: Something Rotten (Nostradamus), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (The Big Bopper), and The Drowsy Chaperone . Endless thanks to family, friends and the entire Hairspray team for making this dream come true. gregkalafatas.com, @gregkala

CAROLINE EISEMAN

Tracy turnblad.

Caroline Eiseman (Tracy Turnblad) Caroline is honored to be back on the road with Hairspray and in Tracy’s shoes! Regional: The Muny, Stages St. Louis, Studio Tenn. Proud Belmont University Musical Theatre Alum. Love and gratitude to the Hairspray team, Eddie and Take 3 Talent, BUMT, and her incredible family and support system. This dream wouldn’t be possible without them! For Patti and Rick, always. @caroline.eiseman

DEIDRE LANG

Motormouth maybelle.

Deidre Lang (Motormouth Maybelle) Originally from New Jersey, but now based in Las Vegas, Deidre has had an extensive career performing on Broadway and TV. She was originally a Dynamite in the first national tour! Her Broadway credits include Ragtime , The Lion King and Tommy . National Tours: The Lion King , Tommy , School of Rock and The Australian tour of Smokey Joe’s Cafe . Regional credits: Dreamgirls , Ain’t Misbehavin , and The Lion King and Rock of Ages in Las Vegas. She was also an original FlyGirl on Fox TV’S In Living Color .   Deidre dedicates this performance to her daughters, Tyler and Jordan. Let’s Go!

JOSIAH ROGERS

Seaweed j. stubbs.

JOSIAH ROGERS ( Seaweed J. Stubbs). Josiah Rogers, originally from Cleveland, OH,   found his love for performing at twenty one when he was accepted into the world renowned music group, Up With People, with which he traveled the world performing. He went on to study music and traveled across the U.S., Japan and Europe with, The Young Americans College based in Corona, CA.   He is excited to bring his contagious energy everywhere he goes! He would like to thank everyone who has helped him get to were he is now and he is forever grateful for this opportunity. “Performing is what I do! It makes me feel Alive!” IG: @therealjosiahrogers/ TikTok @therealjosiahrogers

SKYLER SHIELDS

Link larkin.

SKYLER SHIELDS (Link Larkin) is thrilled to be returning to Baltimore as the ever sparklin’ Sir Link Larkin! Selected credits include Riff in West Side Story (Florida Rep.), Double J/Tony Cover in Saturday Night Fever (Royal Caribbean) and Conrad Birdie in Bye, Bye, Birdie (The Palace Theater). A huge thank you to Brian K. Herrick and HKA through whom all things are possible and to my friends and family for their love and support! Special thanks EG & KF @skylercshields

RALPH PRENTICE DANIEL

Wilbur turnblad.

RALPH PRENTICE DANIEL (Wilbur Turnblad)- is thrilled to return to the national tour of Hairspray .   Prior to Hairspray, Ralph was living in Beijing China where he was apart of the opening cast of Universal Studios Beijing.   Regional credits: Oliver (Fagan) Mary Poppins (George Banks) Footloose (Rev. Shaw) St. Luke’s Theatre, Assassins (Guiteau) It Shoulda Been You (Albert) The Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol, Tuck Everlasting (Man in Yellow) Elf (Walter Hobbs) Newsies (Pulitzer) Orlando Repertory Theatre.   Many thanks to friends, family, and Brian at The Hell’s Kitchen Agency.   Follow me on Instagram @ rprenticed

ANDREW SCOGGIN

Corny collins.

ANDREW SCOGGIN (Corny Collins) is thrilled to bring that Baltimore sound to Hairspray ! National Tour: Annie (Bert Healy, Rooster understudy). Cruise: Grease (Vince Fontaine/Teen Angel). Regional: Ragtime , Evita , Three Musketeers (PA Shakes), Annie , I Love A Piano (Maples Rep), Rock of Ages (Theater Workshop of Nantucket), A Bronx Tale and Mamma Mia! (Prather Productions). Andrew is from Philadelphia and a graduate of DeSales University. Andrew would like to thank Brian, and the Hell’s Kitchen Agency team for all of their support. MDCBP @scoggsmagoggs

CAROLINE PORTNER

Amber von tussle.

CAROLINE PORTNER (Amber Von Tussle). (she/her) is so excited to be making her national tour debut with Hairspray ! Off Broadway: Friends, The Musical Parody (Jerry Orbach Theater). Regional: Mamma Mia! (Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse), White Christmas (Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse), Amadeus (Syracuse Stage), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Syracuse Stage), Echoes in the Garden (Chain Theatre), What a Wonderful World (Timberlake Playhouse). BFA Syracuse University. For Mom, Dad, Chelsea and Olivia. IG: @carolineportner.

SARAH HAYES

Velma von tussle.

SARAH HAYES (Velma Von Tossle) is beyond thrilled to be making her national tour debut in Hairspray ! Favorite regional credits: Moon Over Buffalo (Charlotte Hay), White Christmas (Martha Watson), We Will Rock You (Killer Queen), Rocky Horror Show (Riff Raff), Oliver! (Nancy) and Julius Caesar (Cassius). Many thanks to her incredible family and friends for being a constant source of strength, laughter and dog videos!

SCARLETT JACQUES

Penny pingleton.

SCARLETT JACQUES ( Penny Pingleton ) is a proud New Zealander, thrilled to be making her US professional debut! Professional Theatre (NZ) credits include: Billy Elliot (Margaret Gormley) and Annie (Kate). Other significant credits include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Belle), Frozen JR – NZ premiere (Anna), The Sound of Music (Maria). Huge thank you to Broadway Dreams, The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, Cherie Moore and everyone who has supported and believed in me. Much love to Mum and Devan. @scarlettjacques

KAILA SYMONE CROWDER

Little inez.

Kaila Symone Crowder (Little Inez/Dynamite Understudy) originates from Monroe, North Carolina. She’s a proud alum of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, “Aggie Pride”! Performing is my “woosah” moment from life. I strive to be great within each aspect of my craft, but not perfect. I just love sharing the gift that God gave me! Recent credits include; Legoland: New York Resorts as a (Dancer/Tumbler).

MICAH SAUVAGEAU

Male authority figure.

MICAH Sauvageau (Harriman F. Spritzer, Mr. Pinky, Principal, Guard/Edna Understudy) . An Alaska native originally from Chugiak. Thrilled to be returning for another season of Hairspray ! Credits: The Mystery of Edwin Drood (Chairman), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Cogsworth), Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens (Booby), Guys and Dolls (Nicely Nicely). Thank you to the cast, crew, creatives, production team, and the audience for bringing joy back to the theater! Instagram: @taletreading

EMMANUELLE ZEESMAN

Female authority figure.

Emmanuelle Zeesman (Prudy Pingleton, Gym Teacher, Matron) is a proud Canadian and is tickled pink to bring this magical show home!National Tours/ Off-Broadway: DuMaurier in Finding Neverland , Aunt Em us/Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz , Adelaide in Guys and Dolls , Fosca in Passion , five seasons with Symphony Orchestras across four continents and Mrs. Johnstone in Blood Brothers (CCC Best Actress Award). Thanks to the creative and casting teams! Love to my Canadian, American and Mexican families! @emmanuellezeesman

ABIGAIL BENSMAN

Abigail Bensman (Brenda, Tracy Understudy) (she/her) is elated to be making her national tour debut! Select credits include: Newsies (Katherine Plumber), Bring It On (Eva), Sweeney Todd (Johanna), Ride the Cyclone (Ocean) and Grease (Jan). Forever grateful to the entire Hairspray team. So much love to Brian and her family for their endless support – especially her theatre-loving momma! Follow Abigail’s theatre shenanigans on TikTok and IG @abigail_bens

CONNOR BUONACCORSI

Connor Buonaccorsi (Swing/Edna, Male Authority Figure Understudy) . (he/him) is thrilled to be making his national tour debut in Hairspray . Favorite credits include: A Chorus Line (Mark), Shrek the Musical (Pinocchio), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Dan), Kinky Boots (Angel), Speech & Debate (Howie) and Heathers the Musical (Kurt). Proud recent graduate of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee! Much love and gratitude to family, friends, mentors, Boco, and Avalon Artists Group! IG: @connorbuonaccorsi

ASHIA COLLINS

ASHIA COLLINS (Dynamite/Little Inez Understudy) is so grateful to be part of the cast of Hairspray ! Born in Poughkeepsie NY, Ashia began pursuing her passion at Western Connecticut State University with amazing professors and continued her training with the LINK program. She began her career at the Broadway Palm Theatre and has also worked with RWS and Disney Cruise Line. She would like to thank her family and God for everything.

JOSHUA JAMES CRAWFORD

Joshua James Crawford (Swing) holds a degree in Theatre Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University and has been blessed to work professionally since 2016. Some of his other credits include TJ in Sister Act, The Musical , Jamal in Escape to Margaritaville , Schroeder in You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown , and being a swing in Signature Theatre DC’s production of The Scottsboro Boys . He wishes you many blessing and hopes you enjoy the show! Social media: @joshuajamescrawford

SCOOB DECKER

SCOOB DECKER (Male Authority Figure Understudy/Wilbur Understudy) is thrilled for his eighth tour ( The Wizard of Oz (National & International)/ Anastasia / Moulin Rouge! ) and couldn’t be more excited to help bring Hairspray to life. With a Master’s degree in Integrated Arts and Education (University of Montana), Scoob hosts Pique My Interest, a podcast about creativity and is currently writing an original musical. Recent credits include Truchbull in Matilda , The Little Mermaid , and Murder on the Orient Express . All the love and thanks to Lizzie, Murph and his folks!

LAUREN DIPIETRO

Lauren DiPietro   (Shelly)  is thrilled to be making her national tour debut! Lauren began her career as a competitive dancer and choreographer in Massachusetts, and is a graduate of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. Recent credits include: Step One Dance Company, Knicks City Dancers, Lisa in Mamma Mia! (Royal Caribbean), and Blue Planet (featured aerialist). She has also performed with Iggy Azalea, Tinashe, Jordin Sparks, The Pointer Sisters, Patti LaBelle, Heather Headley, and Taylor Dayne. Endless gratitude to the entire Hairspray team, her family, friends, LETM, Maureen, NSDA, and DS for the love, support, and training. Follow her journey on IG: @laurendipietro 

AUDREY TAYLOR FLOYD

AUDREY TAYLOR FLOYD (Swing/ Little Inez Understudy) . (she/her/hers) is a New Jersey/Philly based singer, dancer and actor. She is so excited to make her national tour debut with the cast of Hairspray , which happens to be her very first show when she was 11! Some of her previous credits include Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre), Footloose (Prather Productions), Elf The Musical (Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre) Spring Awakening (The Grand Theatre). She gives endless love to her loved ones for always supporting her and her dreams! @audrey_floyd

GAVIN GUTHRIE

Gavin Guthrie (IQ). (he/him). National tour debut! Regional: The Prom , Head Over Heels , Titanic and Newsies (Lyric Theatre of OK); Matilda and Frank-N-Friend (Casa Mañana); La Cage aux Folles , Newsies , and Showboat (Interlakes Summer Theatre); Little Shop of Horrors (Tulsa Project Theatre.). Oklahoma City University Alum. Thanks to Mom and Dad, family, friends, teachers, and the cast/crew of Hairspray for their love and support! All socials: @gav_guthrie

EVAN HUSSEY

EVAN HUSSEY (Brad) is honored to be joining the Hairspray family! National Tour: Elf . Regional: A Chorus Line , Fiddler on the Roof (City Springs Theatre); Mary Poppins , Scrooge (Fireside Theatre); Elf (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina); La Cage Aux Folles , Mamma Mia , 9 to 5 (Little Theatre on the Square). Proud Marymount Manhattan Musical Theatre Alum. Special thanks to Mom, Dad, Brian at Hell’s Kitchen Agency, Wheeler, and all cast/crew/creatives involved with Hairspray ! @evanhussey

LEIAH LEWIS

Pearl/dynamite.

Leiah Lewis (Pearl/Dynamite/Motormouth Maybelle Understudy) is thrilled to be making her national tour debut in the hit musical Hairspray ! Some of her favorite theatre credits include Escape to Margaritaville , Dreamgirls , Cabaret , Rock of Ages , Little Shop of Horrors , and Jesus Christ Superstar . Leiah wants to give many thanks to the creative team, cast, and all of her family and friends who are constantly supporting her on this journey. IG:@leiahlewis

CHRISTY OBERNDORF

Christy Oberndorf (Tammy/Amber Von Tussel and Penny Pingleton Understudy) is thrilled to be making her national tour debut! Recent credits include Babette in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Arvada Center), Kate Monster in Avenue Q and Sophie in Mamma Mia! (BDT Stage)”. She’d like to thank her amazing friends and family for all the love. Incredibly special thanks to her Mom, Dad, Michelle and David for their neverending support.   @christy_oberndorf

KYNNEDI MORYAE PORTER

Cindy/dynamite.

KYNNEDI MORYAÉ PORTER (Cindy/Dynamite) is a graduate of The University of Alabama and is thrilled to be making her national tour debut with Hairspray, the Musical ! Regional: Once On This Island (Papa Ge Understudy), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Babette) and In the Heights (Yolanda). She would like to thank God, her family, and friends for never giving up on her.  ROLL TIDE ROLL! IG: @kynnfolk

CAROLINE PURDY

CAROLINE PURDY (Lou Ann/Amber & Velma Von Tussle Understudy) National tour debut! Raised in Jersey, Caroline graduated with a BM from Oklahoma City University and is now based in New York. Credits: Beehive (Pattie), Disenchanted! (The Little Mermaid track), Chicago (Roxie), Company (Susan), Ghost (Molly Jensen) and Crazy For You . Endless thanks to her family, friends, and “The Candle Guy” for their support, and the cast, crew, and production team for this wonderful experience! @carolinebpurdy

KALAB QUINN

KALAB QUINN (Duane/Seawood J. Stubbs Understudy) . (he, him) is so excited to be making his national tour debut with a show and role that he can now cross off of his bucket list. He is currently a senior at Valdosta State University. Some of his previous credits include TJ in Sister Act and ensemble in Spamalot at Peach State Summer Theatre. He would like to thank the company and crew for making his dreams a reality, as well as his friends and family for their love and support.

JOSIAH THOMAS RANDOLPH

Josiah Thomas Randolph (Thad/Seaweed J. Stubbs Understudy) is thrilled to be making his national tour debut. He has played various roles such as Seaweed in Hairspray , Hero in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum , Richie in A Chorus Line , C. C. in Dreamgirls and Flick in Violet . Thanks to Mom, Dad, and Sarah. IG: @josiah_randolph

AMY RODRIGUEZ

Tracy turnblad standby.

AMY RODRIGUEZ (Tracy Turnblad Standby/Female Authority Figure Understudy) National tour debut! Recent credits: Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray (Royal Caribbean), Goldilocks in Goldilocks (Chicago Kids Company), Granddaughter in And Come Apart (The Tank). BA: University of Iowa ‘21 (Go Hawks!)   All her love to her family and friends. Thanks Mom and Dad for always believing in me! @amy.rodriguez

IAN SCHMOKE

IAN SCHMOKE (Swing). National Tour Debut! Regional: Newsies (Jo Jo), Matilda (Rudolpho), Wonderland (Swing), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Brother), Mary Poppins (Ensemble), Christmas Wonderland (Dancer/Swing). Endless gratitude to the Hairspray team, my agents at MTA, and my wonderful family! @ianschmoke

SCOTT SILAGY

Scott Silagy (Sketch/Link Larkin Understudy) is originally from Ewing, New Jersey but is now based in NYC. Select theatre credits include Rock of Ages (Drew, Mountain Theatre Company), Catch Me If You Can (Frank Abagnale Jr., Kelsey Theatre), Head Over Heels (Dametas, Theresa Lang Theatre), and Musical of Musicals ! (Bill/Billy, Theatre at St. Jean). He is thrilled to be a part of this company and is so thankful for this opportunity. Follow along, @scottsilagy on Instagram!

CARA TORCHIA

CARA TORCHIA (Swing/Female Authority Figure Understudy) is thrilled to be making her national tour debut in Hairspray ! Regional: 42nd Street , Disney’s Beauty and the Beast , The Drowsy Chaperone , Kinky Boots , The Wizard of Oz (Music Theatre Wichita); West Side Story (South Bend Symphony). Chicago College of Performing Arts BFA ’23. LINK Class 5. Big love and gratitude to her ever-supportive Mom + Sis, family, Hudson Artists Agency, and the Hairspray team. @caratorchia

LILLIANNIE ARIE URGENT

Lilliannie Arie Urgent (Lorraine/Dynamite and Motormouth Maybelle Understudy). (she/her) is overjoyed to be taking on the role of Lorraine in this sensational production of Hairspray . Previous credits include Rusty in The Argyle Theater’s production of Footloose . She extends her deepest gratitude to her unwavering support system: her incredible friends and loving family. Catch a glimpse of her behind-the-scenes adventures, her passion for the performing arts, and her infectious zest for life on her Tik Tok: @lilliurgentsings & IG: @lillianniearie. See you in detention!

JAMES DOUGLAS VINSON

JAMES DOUGLAS VINSON (Fender/Link Larkin & Corny Collins Understudy) is an NYC based actor and is thrilled to be making his national tour debut in Hairspray ! Recent credits include Gunther in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (NCL inaugural cast); Righteous Brother/Nick in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical ;   Doug in Descendants (Casa Mañana); Larry in A Chorus Line (Laguna Playhouse). A huge thank you to his friends and family for their endless love and support! @jaames_vinsonn

GABRIEL YARBOROUGH

Gabriel Yarborough (Gilbert) (he/him/his) is so excited to make his national tour debut with Hairspray ! He’s a Junior BFA Acting Major at University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Previous credits include TV/Film: Filthy Rich (Young Franklin/FOX and HULU), The 24th (Boy/Amazon Prime). Regional: Cabaret (Victor/GLOW Lyric Theatre). Glory to God! Rep: KUTALENT Agency. IG:@gabriel.yarborough

MARK O’DONNELL

MARK O’DONNELL (Book). Plays: That’s It, Folks! ; Fables for Friends ; The Nice and the Nasty (all produced at Playwrights Horizons), and Strangers on Earth and Vertigo Park (both produced by Zena Group Theatre). He wrote the book and lyrics for the musical Tots in Tinseltown . Mr. O’Donnell collaborated with Bill Irwin on an adaptation of Moliere’s Scapin, and he co- authored a translation of Feydeau’s A Flea in Her Ear , both for the Roundabout. For Manhattan Theatre Club, he translated Jean Claude Carriere’s La Terrasse . He has published two collections of comic stories Elementary Education and Vertigo Park and Other Tall Tales (both Knopf), as well as two recent novels, Getting Over Homer and Let Nothing You Dismay (both now in Vintage paperback). His humor, cartoons, and poetry have appeared in The New Yorker , The New York Times , The Atlantic , Spy , The New Republic , and Esquire , among many others. He has received a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Lecomte du Nuoy Prize, and the George S. Kaufman Award.

THOMAS MEEHAN

Thomas won the 2003 Tony Award for co-writing the book for Hairspray, after having won the 2001 Tony Award for co- writing the book of The Producers . In 1977, he received his first Tony Award for writing the book of Annie , which was his first Broadway show, and he has since written the books for the musicals I Remember Mama, Ain’t Broadway Grand, Annie Warbucks, Bombay Dreams, and Cry- Baby . In addition, he is a long-time contributor of humor pieces, including “Yma Dream” to The New Yorker , an Emmy Award-winning writer of television comedy, and a collaborator on a number of screenplays, including Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs , To Be or Not to Be, and the film version of The Producers . He is also the co-author for the libretto of 1984 , an opera composed by Lorin Maazel and based on George Orwell’s classic novel of the same name, which had its world premiere in the spring of 2003 at London’s Royal Opera House and was performed at La Scala in Milan. Mr. Meehan is a member of the Council of the Dramatists Guild.

MARC SHAIMAN

Music & arrangements, lyrics.

Marc is a composer/lyricist/arranger/performer working in films, television, musical theater and recordings. He has won several honors, including a Tony, an Emmy, a Grammy, plus seven Oscar nominations.

Opening this fall on Broadway is Shaiman & Wittman’s new musical Some Like It Hot , based on the iconic film. And coming in a year or so after that will be Smash , a play about a musical (based on the TV Show).

Recent projects include Rogers: The Musical for Marvel/Disney+’s Hawkeye , incidental music for the smash Broadway revival of Plaza Suite and the score for Universal’s Billy Eichner romcom Bros .

For Mary Poppins Returns he was nominated for two Oscars, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe and a Grammy. His other Oscar nominations have been for Sleepless In Seattle , Patch Adams , The First Wives Club , The American President and South Park-Bigger, Longer & Uncut .

Other film credits include Beaches , When Harry Met Sally , City Slickers , The Addams Family , Sister Act , A Few Good Men , Hocus Pocus , The Bucket List and Hairspray . He and Mariah Carey were nominated for a Golden Globe for their title song for the animated film The Star .

For Broadway, he and co-lyricist Scott Wittman have written Hairspray (Tony & Grammy Awards), Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me , Catch Me If You Can (Tony nom) and Charlie & The Chocolate Factory .

Television credits include Saturday Night Live (Emmy and Golden Globe nom), Smash (Emmy & Golden Globe nom), The Oscars with Billy Crystal (Emmy Award), Bette Midler (final guest with Johnny Carson) and countless appearances with Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Lane, Jennifer Hudson, Jack Black & Will Ferrell, among others.

He has produced/arranged recordings and performances for Bette Midler, Harry Connick Jr., Peter Allen, Eric Clapton, Diane Keaton, Patti LuPone, Steve Martin, Barbra Streisand, Robin Williams and many more.

His online opus Prop 8 – The Musical was a Webbie Award winner.

SCOTT WITTMAN

Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Award winning lyricist, director, writer, and conceiver Scott Wittman co-wrote the lyrics for the hit musical Hairspray (Tony, Grammy, Olivier Award) with creative partner Marc Shaiman. Wittman served as an executive producer on the hit film starring John Travolta. Nominated for a Golden Globe, Grammy, and two Emmy Awards for the original songs on NBC’s musical drama Smash . Shaiman and Wittman’s original score for the Marilyn Monroe musical Bombshell was released by Sony Records. Scott and Marc’s Broadway writing credits include Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me , which Scott also directed, Catch Me If You Can (Tony nom. for Best Musical), and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory on Broadway and the West End. And the new Broadway musical of Some Like it Hot at the Schubert Theatre. Scott has created and directed concerts for Patti LuPone. He has created solo shows for Christine Ebersole and Nathan Lane, as well as writing for Bette Midler’s 2015 Divine Intervention World Tour. Off-Broadway, he conceived and directed Jukebox Jackie starring Justin Vivian Bond at La Mama, and Bridget Everett’s Rockbottom at the Public Theatre. His notorious and legendary Downtown shows are in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Marc and Scott also wrote the score to Disney’s Mary Poppins Returns starring Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Meryl Streep. The song “The Place Where Lost Things Go” was nominated for an Oscar.

JACK O’BRIEN

Original director.

JACK O’BRIEN, recently Tony nominated for his direction of the new hit musical, Shucked , has also won three Tony Awards for his direction of Hairspray , Henry IV , and The Coast of Utopia . His other recent Broadway credits include Arthur Miller’s All My Sons , Carousel , The Front Page , Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , It’s Only a Play , Macbeth , The Nance , Dead Accounts , Catch Me If You Can , Impressionism , Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Tony nom.), Imaginary Friends , The Invention of Love (Tony nomination and Drama Desk winner), The Full Monty (Tony nom.), More to Love , Getting Away with Murder , The Little Foxes , Damn Yankees , Two Shakespearean Actors (Tony nom.) and Porgy and Bess (Tony nom.). Off- Broadway credits include Tom Stoppard’s The Hard Problem , Pride’s Crossing , and Hapgood (Lucille Lortel Award). Other productions include Il Trittico at the Metropolitan Opera, Guys and Dolls at Carnegie Hall, Much Ado About Nothing for The Public’s Shakespeare in the Park, Love Never Dies and Hairspray (Olivier nom.) in London, which also saw another revival at the Coliseum in London. Mr. O’Brien was the Artistic Director of the Old Globe Theatre from 1981 till 2007. He has directed six programs for PBS’s American Playhouse. He is the author of two memoirs, Jack Be Nimble, and Jack in the Box, or How to Goddam Direct, both published by FSG. He lives in Connecticut with an exceptional Norwich terrier named Coda.

JERRY MITCHELL

Original choreographer.

For the past four decades, Jerry has created some of the most iconic musicals to play Broadway, the West End, Toronto, Australia, Korea, Japan and Germany, including the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Kinky Boots , for which his direction was nominated and his choreography was awarded the Tony. This was his second Tony for choreography, having won previously for La Cage Aux Folles.  With over 50 productions on stages throughout the world to his credit, Jerry has also received the George Abbott Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, joining many of his mentors as recipient. Starting as a dancer for Agnes de Mille on Broadway in Brigadoon , Jerry thereafter appeared in Woman Of The Year, Barnum, On Your Toes and A Chorus Line and became the associate to Michael Bennett, Bob Avian and Jerome Robbins on such of their shows as Jerome Robbins’ Broadway, Scandal, Chess and Jerry’s first show on the West End, Follies. Also on the West End, Jerry has been nominated four times for Best Choreography, with three of those productions winning the Olivier Award for Best Musical— Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde and Hairspray , the latter of which he choreographed with his longtime mentor and collaborator, Director Jack O’Brien. His Broadway debut as Choreographer of You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown was followed by The Full Monty (Tony nomination), The Rocky Horror Show, Hairspray (Tony nomination and the NBC live television broadcast which followed), Gypsy (starring Bernadette Peters), Never Gonna Dance (Tony nomination), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Tony nomination), La Cage Aux Folles (Tony Award), Imaginary Friends, Legally Blonde (Tony nomination), Catch Me If You Can .  He also directed the Gloria Estefan musical, On Your Feet and directed and choreographed both Kinky Boots and most recently, Pretty Woman . Choreography for Off-Broadway includes Hedwig & The Angry Inch and Jeffrey. For film, Jerry created memorable dance sequences for Scent Of A Woman, The Object Of My Affection, In And Out and Drop Dead Gorgeous , among others. Currently Jerry is developing a new musical based on a book entitled Becoming Nancy . And most importantly, more than 30 years ago Jerry conceived and created Broadway Bares , a comedy burlesque show performed annually for the charity, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, which has raised over $25,000,000 to date and led to satellite organizations with similar achievements, including San Francisco Bares, West End Bares and Italy Bares , helping to care for those afflicted with and affected by AIDS, for which he was awarded the Isabelle Stevenson Award and his third Tony in 2023. He continues to serve as Executive Producer of Broadway Bares and is especially proud of the celebration of life that these shows have given to the world.

Tour Director

MATT LENZ  ( Tour Director ). Broadway:  Hairspray, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Catch Me If You Can, The Velocity of Autumn  (Associate Director on original productions), Disney’s  Beauty and the Beast  (Resident Director). Off-Broadway:  Pageant: The Musical  (Drama Desk nom.),  The Irish Curse ,  Idaho! The Comedy Musical ,  The Great Daisy Theory, Fingers and Toes , and Alan Ball’s  Tense Guy . National Tours:  Charlie and the Chocolate Factory ,  The Sound of Music ,  A Christmas Story: The Musical, Cheers: Live on Stage, Catch Me If You Can ,  The Who’s Tommy,  and numerous  Hairspray companies.   International:  The Sound of Music  Global Tour (current),  Charlie  in Australia and productions of  Hairspray  in Australia, South Africa, the UK, Toronto, and Germany. Regional: Numerous plays and musicals at The Ahmanson, Paper Mill Playhouse, George Street Playhouse, the MUNY, Ogunquit Playhouse, La Mirada, Cape Playhouse, North Carolina Theatre, Maltz Jupiter Theater, Forestburgh Playhouse, Zach Theatre, Gulfshore Playhouse, Casa Manana. Matt is the Founding Artistic Director of the annual In The Works ~ In The Woods Festival of new plays and  musicals.

ROBBIE ROBY

Tour choreographer.

Robbie has been part of the Hairspray family for 18 years, originally as the dance captain for the Broadway and Las Vegas productions. Select choreography credits include: Joseph… Dreamcoat (staring David Archuleta), Sister Act (Kansas City Starlight, Pittsburgh CLO), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Tuacahn, Ordway Theatre, and Pittsburgh CLO), Little Shop of Horrors (Sacramento Music Circus), Disney’s The Little Mermaid (The 5th Avenue Theatre), Shrek (Walnut Street Theatre, Sacramento Music Circus), and Broadway Backwards (New Amsterdam Theatre; NYC). As a performer, Robbie was the dance captain for Broadway/Touring productions of Billy Elliot, Disney’s The Little Mermaid , and Monty Python’s Spamalot.

DAVID ROCKWELL

Scenic designer.

Broadway: Into the Woods ; Take Me Out ; Tootsie ; Kiss Me, Kate ; Lobby Hero ; She Loves Me (Tony, Drama Desk, and OCC awards); On the Twentieth Century (Tony nom.); You Can’t Take It With You (Tony nom.); Kinky Boots (Tony nom.); Lucky Guy (Tony nom.); Hairspray (Tony, Drama Desk, OCC noms.); and the upcoming production of A Beautiful Noise . Off-Broadway: Into the Woods ; Seven Deadly Sins ; Soundtrack of America ; A Bright Room Called Day ; and Shakespeare in the Park . Founder and President of Rockwell Group, an architecture and design firm based in New York with offices in Los Angeles and Madrid. He is the author of four books on architecture and design, including Drama (Phaidon 2021). Honors: AIANY President’s Award, Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, Presidential Design Award

WILLIAM IVEY LONG

Costume designer.

Credits: The Producers, Seussical, The Man Who Came to Dinner, The Music Man, Contact; Swing!, Epic Proportions, The Civil War, Annie Get Your Gun, The Mystery of Irma Vep, Cabaret, Chicago (New York, London, Melbourne, Vienna, Stockholm, Amsterdam), Steel Pier, 1776, Smokey Joe’s Cafe (New York, London, Las Vegas, tours), Crazy For You (Tony, Outer Critics Circle, Dora awards), London, Toronto (Dora Award), Tokyo; Guys and Dolls (Drama Desk Award); Madison Square Garden’s annual A Christmas Carol; Six Degrees of Separation; Assassins (1991 Obie Award for outstanding achievement); Lend Me a Tenor (Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle awards); Nine (Tony, Drama Desk, Maharam awards); Robert Wilson’s Hamletmachine ; Leonard Bernstein’s A Quiet Place and Trouble in Tahiti (Vienna State Opera, La Scala, Houston Grand Opera, Kennedy Center); The Lost Colony ; Mick Jagger for the Rolling Stones’ Steel Wheels tour; Siegfried and Roy at the Mirage Hotel; Paul Taylor; Twyla Tharp; Peter Martins; David Parsons; Susan Stroman.

PAUL MILLER

Tour lighting designer.

Broadway: Ruben & Clay’s Christmas Show, Amazing Grace, The Illusionists, Legally Blonde, Freshly Squeezed, Laughing Room Only . National Tours: The Illusionists, Elf the Musical, The Producers, Hairspray, Nunsense . Many commercial Off-Broadway productions and City Center Encores! Regional: The Old Globe, Stratford Shakespeare Festival (Ontario), DC Shakespeare, Chicago Shakespeare, Idaho Shakespeare, Great Lakes Theatre Co, Asolo Rep, American Conservatory Theatre, Cleveland Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, The Goodspeed Opera House, Pittsburgh CLO, and Seattle’s 5 th Avenue Theatre, among others. Ballet: The New Jersey Ballet, Eglevsky Ballet, Grand Rapids Ballet. Television: Live from Lincoln Center, Netflix, Showtime, Comedy Central. International: Productions in São Paulo, Toronto, London, Vienna, Milan (Teatro alla Scala), Manila, Johannesburg, Beijing, Slovenia, Canada, and Mexico. Paul has been the Lighting Director for the internationally televised New Year’s Eve Celebration from New York’s Times Square for the last 20 years. He is originally from Chicago and trained at The Theatre School at DePaul University.

KENNETH POSNER

Lighting designer.

Kenneth designs extensively Off-Broadway, for resident theatres and touring productions throughout the United States, as well as internationally. He began his design career in the early 1990s s the lighting designer for the Berkshire Theatre Festival in Stockbridge, MA. Selected Broadway credits include One More Time , Saturday Night, Beetlejuice, Pretty Woman, Mean Girls, War Paint, Tuck Everlasting, Disgraced, On Your Feet, If/Then, Kinky Boots, Pippin, Cinderella, Hairspray, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Legally Blonde, Catch Me If You Can, The Coast of Utopia: Shipwreck , Other Desert Cities, The Merchant Of Venice, The Little Foxes, The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer, Finding Neverland, and Wicked.

SHANNON SLATON

Sound designer.

SHANNON SLATON ( Sound Designer ) Broadway designs: My Window; The Illusionists .  National tour designs include: Shrek; Once on this Island; The Producers; Kiss Me, Kate; Noise/Funk; The Full Monty; Contact; A Chorus Line; Tap Dogs; Sweeney Todd; The Wizard of Oz; The Drowsy Chaperone; and The Wedding Singer . He was production sound for The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway and national tour, and advance sound for Wicked . Shows he has mixed on Broadway include Springsteen on Broadway, Man of La Mancha, Bombay Dreams, A Christmas Carol, Sweet Charity, Jersey Boys, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Drowsy Chaperone, Spring Awakening, Fela!, Anything Goes, Annie, Legally Blonde, and Cabaret .

PATRICK W. LORD

Video designer.

Patrick is a projection and video designer, whose work has been seen across the county.  He has designed the National Tours of Hairspray and the new tour of On Your Feet , and was on the video team for the first tour of Mean Girls as the animator.  In addition, he has had the privilege to design critically acclaimed world premieres at theaters like Lincoln Center and The Kennedy Center for Performing Arts with playwrights like Lauren Gunderson, Finegan Kruckemeyer, Robert Schenkkan and others.  His career also includes extensive work at regional theaters across the country like Shakespeare Theatre Company, Olney Theatre Center, Flatrock Playhouse, Croswell Opera House, Skylight Music Theatre and many more, especially in the Washington DC area, which he calls home.  Outside of his theatre work, Patrick has designed for Grammy award winning musicians and creative directed projects for numerous NBA and NHL teams’ special events.  www.patrickwlord.com

PAUL HUNTLEY

Wigs & hair designer.

London born Paul Huntley is a special Tony Award Winner as well as a Drama Desk recipient. Paul has worked on hundreds of Broadway projects since arriving in this country in 1972. His projects have included Cats; Amadeus; Kiss Me, Kate; The Producers and Hairspray . He has also worked with some of the most talented leading ladies of the American Cinema. They include Bette Davis, Vivien Leigh, Mae West, Glenn Close, Angela Lansbury and Jessica Lange. Movies are Christopher Plummer in “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” and Willem Dafoe in “Cirque Du Freak.”

BERNIE ARDIA

Tour wigs & hair designer.

Bernie is a California native with a 40-year career starting in print and television: soap operas and TV specials such as Happy Birthday Hollywood .  Mr. Ardia returned to live theater with David Merrick’s national tour of 42 nd Street .  He has designed for over 75 productions including: Can-Can, Me and My Girl, Showboat, Ziegfeld: A Night at the Follies ; recreating Paul Huntley’s designs for the current NETworks production of Hairspray .  He is very happy to be part of this project and working under the direction of Matt Lenz. Other credits: Ragtime (The Kennedy Center), Dirty Dancing, Cameron Mackintosh’s Les Misérable s and Oliver, Kiss of the Spider Woman with Chita Rivera, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express (Las Vegas) and Cinderella with Eartha Kitt. Mr. Ardia is proud to have worked with many talented performers and directors in his career including Jeanne Cooper, George Wendt, Hal Prince, Melody Thomas Scott, Mary Wilson, Patrick Cassidy, many Osmonds, Lynda Carter, Makenzie Philips and even Judge Judy! He is also the author of Barbra Streisand in New York City , and presenting the upcoming At Sea with Patrick Dennis, My Madcap Mexican Adventure with the Author of Auntie Mame , (pub. Ratteling Good Yarns).

HAROLD WHEELER

Orchestrations.

From the time he conducted the B’way musical Promises, Promises to the year Dreamgirls won six Tony Awards, Harold Wheeler has been in the front ranks of entertainment as a conductor, composer, arranger and performer. Additional theatre credits as orchestrator and music supervisor include CoCo, Two Gentlemen of Verona, The Wiz, Little Me (Tony nom.), A Chorus Line, The Tap Dance Kid, Lena Horne: The Lady and Her Music, Fame, The Life (Tony nom.), Side Show, Swing! (Tony nom.), The Full Monty . He acted as Musical Director for the Summer Olympics in Atlanta, and composed the score for the film Love! Valour! Compassion! He is married to actress/singer Hattie Winston.

KEITH THOMPSON

Music supervisor.

Keith was creator/director/producer of The Cocktail Cabaret which enjoyed a 13-month run the famed Cleopatra’s Barge in Caesars Palace. He is the founder and host of The Composers Showcase, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides a platform and forum for composers and songwriters to share their original musical creations at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

As a seasoned conductor/musical director, Keith’s most recent list of professional credits include musical director and conductor for the Las Vegas companies of  Jersey Boys ,  The Producers , Hairspray , and for the North American premier of the hit musical,  We Will Rock You .  The conductor and musical director for the first national tours of Mamma Mia! and Cabaret , Keith also supervised the music for the Australian production of Cabaret in Sydney and won the 2000 Dora Award as musical director of Cabaret in Toronto. Other national tours Keith has conducted include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat , with Donny Osmond; Peter Pan, with Cathy Rigby; Jesus Christ Superstar , with Carl Anderson and Ted Neeley; and the 25 th Anniversary tour of the musical, HAIR! as well as concert tours for Sarah Brightman and Jenifer Lewis. In addition, his New York credits include Les Miserables , When Pigs Fly , and Little Shop of Horrors .

Keith Thompson is co-composer of IDAHO! The Comedy-Musical with long-time collaborator, Buddy Sheffield ( In Living Color ).  The musical premiered at the New York Musical Theatre Festival in 2008 where it received the honor of “Best in Fest.” IDAHO! was presented in a full production at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas in 2016.

Another Keith Thompson original, God Lives in Glass , Keith’s premiered at NYU’s Provincetown Playhouse in Greenwich Village and has been presented regionally and in concert nationwide. Keith’s original comedy/novelty song revue,  Kooky Tunes , has received international critical and popular praise. This revue completed a successful extended engagement at New York’s Laurie Beechman Theater, followed by an Australian tour, and the release of the cast recording, produced by Jay Records of London, currently available on Amazon.com..

Keith was vocal director and arranger for  RoundHouse , a Television series that aired on the Nickelodeon Network.  Keith was also Adjunct Professor in the Musical Theater program at NYU where he conducted, arranged and supervised music for dozens of shows.

Music Coordinator

JP MEYER  ( Music Coordinator ) is the Music Supervisor and Contractor for APEX Touring ( Summer: The Donna Summer Musical , Pippin, Finding Neverland, Chicago, Cabaret, Wizard of Oz ) and has been the Resident Music Director at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster, Pennsylvania since 2014.   He also serves as the Organist and Music Director at Old Zion Lutheran Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

LIZZIE WEBB

Music director/conductor, prather productions.

PRATHER PRODUCTIONS  (Casting)   has been casting productions in the entertainment industry for more than 40 years. The casting and artistic producing team of Brian J. Enzman and Lauren L. Sobon recently cast the national tours of  Cabaret ,  Once, The Musical,   Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Finding Neverland, The Wizard of Oz International Tour, Pippin, Million Dollar Quartet  and  Fiddler on the Roof.  

JESS LEVINE

Production stage manager.

JESS LEVINE (Production Stage Manager) is thrilled to be joining Hairspray ! Originally from Pittsburgh and a proud graduate of Penn State, previous tours include Elf the Musical and regional credits include Plano and The Cherry Orchard (Quantum Theatre) and Shantytown (Pittsburgh Playwrights). Many thanks to all the family and friends that continue to support her!

SAM KRONHAUS

Assistant stage manager.

Sam Kronhaus (Assistant Stage Manager) is excited to be back with the Hairspray company this season! National Tours: Hairspray and Les Misérables . Regional: Into the Woods (Slow Burn Theatre Company) and Disney’s Beauty and The Beast (Maltz Jupiter Theatre). Other credits: Miami City Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, The Kravis Center, Pittsburgh Playhouse, and Pittsburgh CLO. Proud graduate of Point Park University. Sam wishes to thank his family for their continued love and support!

MARC CIEMIEWICZ

Resident company manager.

MARC CIEMIEWICZ (Resident Company Manager ) .   For 30 years Marc   has worked as an actor, director, stage manager, company manager, and production manager from coast to coast. Tours: Yeston and Kopit’s Phantom , It’s Swingtime! , Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (directed and choreographed by Andy Blankenbuehler), Footloose 10th Anniversary Tour , The Wedding Singer , Finding Neverland , Chicago , and the national and international tours of The Wizard of   Oz . Marc holds a BFA and a MFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory and San Diego State University respectively. Let Art Live!

TIMOTHE BITTLE

Company manager.

TIMOTHE BITTLE (Tour Company Manager) is excited to be a part of Hairspray and was the Company Manager for Chicago, the Musical and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical . National tours include Finding Neverland and The Wedding Singer . He attended Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, North Carolina and Greensboro College in Greensboro, North Carolina. An avid TV and movie watcher, but has also been known to enjoy a football game or two. Go Pack Go!!

KENT McINGVALE & COMPANY

Tour press and marketing.

Kent McIngvale & Company  ( Tour Press & Marketing ) currently leads the marketing and press campaigns for the national tours of  Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird  and  Hairspray , and consults with Transcendence Theatre Company in Sonoma. Recent projects for Kent McIngvale, Deb Fiscella and N. Meredyth Davis include marketing and press campaigns for the national tours of  Jersey Boys  (14 seasons on tour),  Beautiful – the Carole King Musical  (6 seasons on tour),  Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music , and  Summer: The Donna Summer Musical .

THE BOOKING GROUP

Tour booking.

The Booking Group has represented 27 Tony Award® winning Best Musicals and Plays. Current tours include: Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Come From Away, The Book of Mormon, 1776, Hadestown, Mean Girls, MJ The Musical, Pretty Woman, Six, Tina, To Kill A Mockingbird, Anastasia, Chicago, Fiddler on the Roof, Hairspray, My Fair Lady, R.E.S.P.E.C.T ; and Tootsie . Future tours include: Almost Famous, Funny Girl, Mamma Mia!, Mrs. Doubtfire, A Strange Loop, The Devil Wears Prada , and The Wiz.

LAUREN L. SOBON

Associate producer.

LAUREN L. SOBON (Associate Producer) . Recent credits include Director for the 2021 tour of Summer: The Donna Summer Musical , Associate Producer for the 2020 national tour of Chicago , Artistic Producer/Casting Director for the 2020 national tour of Finding Neverland , 2019 international and 2018/2019 national tours of The Wizard of Oz as well as the 2017 national tour of Pippin . She was the Director and Artistic Producer for the 2016 national tour of Million Dollar Quartet . Choreographer and Associate Producer for the 2014 national tour of Fiddler on the Roof .      

BRIAN J. ENZMAN

BRIAN J. ENZMAN (Associate Producer) .   Brian has 35 years of experience in the entertainment industry. He has been involved in over 400 productions from A Chorus Line in 1987 to the recent national tours of Cabaret , Once, The Musical and Summer: The Donna Summer Musical . As resident director, credits include: Evita , Yeston and Kopit’s Phantom , Les Miserables , The Civil War , Jekyll and Hyde , The Drowsy Chaperone , South Pacific , Hello Dolly , Best Little Whorehouse in Texas , Cabaret , Gypsy , Mame , The King and I , Damn Yankees , Music Man and Annie , to name a few. Brian is a graduate of Millersville University in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

RUSSELL A. THOMPSON

Production manager.

RUSSELL A. THOMPSON  ( Production Manager ) has been the Production Manager for multiple national touring productions and the international tours of Chicago and Cabaret . Mr Thompson was the Lighting Designer & Production Manager for the international and national tour of The Wizard of Oz ,   and national tours of Summer: The Donna Summer Musical , Finding Neverland , Once , Pippin , Million Dollar Quartet , Memphis , Seven Brides for Seven Brothers , Hair , Fiddler on the Roof , All Shook Up , Footloose , The Wedding Singer , and Beehive: The 60’s Musical . Thompson’s other designs include Jesus Christ Superstar , On Your Feet , Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat , Mamma Mia! , Jersey Boys , Rock of Ages , A Bronx Tale and CATS . He also designed the world premiere of Around the World in 80 Days and the regional premiere of The Civil War .

RYAN C. PARLIMENT

General manager, william prather, executive producer.

WILLIAM T. PRATHER (Executive Producer) is the Executive Producer and Founder of APEX Touring. He is a second-generation theatre producer following in the footsteps of his parents, Tom and Debbie Prather, who produced live theatre for over 58 years. A graduate of the School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University, he returned to the family business in 1993 after spending a couple of years in the corporate world. As an Executive Producer, Prather has worked on successful tours including Footloose , The Wedding Singer , BLAST , Fiddler on the Roof , Seven Brides for Seven Brothers , Memphis and Million Dollar Quartet . 

APEX TOURING

APEX TOURING, LLC (Producer) . APEX Touring is the producer of the current tours of Hairspray being presented by Hairspray on Tour, LLC and Chicago , being presented by Chicago Razzle Dazzle, LLC. Now in its sixth tour season, APEX has produced recent national tours which include Summer: The Donna Summer Musical , Once and Finding Neverland . APEX was honored to produce the first company to bring a live production to the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Middle East with the international tour of The Wizard of Oz , which also performed across China. APEX produced the 2018 tour of Cabaret and 2017 tour of Pippin . APEX has been created to serve the ever-expanding need for high quality, Broadway-caliber touring productions around the world. APEX looks forward to many years of producing Broadway’s brightest new shows.

• Purchase Tickets

Event Times

• Tue  |  Dec 05, 2023 7:30 PM
• Wed  |  Dec 06, 2023 7:30 PM
• Thu  |  Dec 07, 2023 7:30 PM
• Fri  |  Dec 08, 2023 7:30 PM
• Sat  |  Dec 09, 2023 1:30 PM
• Sat  |  Dec 09, 2023 7:30 PM
• Sun  |  Dec 10, 2023 1:00 PM
• Sun  |  Dec 10, 2023 6:30 PM

Event Description

You Can’t Stop the Beat! HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon is back on tour! Join 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960sBaltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world?  

Featuring the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the‘60s,” “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat, ”HAIRSPRAY is “fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!” (The New York Times). 

This all-new touring production reunites Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by Director Jack O’Brien and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell to bring HAIRSPRAY to a new generation of theater audiences.  

Don’t miss this “exhilaratingly funny and warm-hearted musical comedy” (The New Yorker). www.hairspraytour.com 

Stage and Cinema

Arts and Entertainment Reviews

Theater Review: HAIRSPRAY (National Tour)

by William C. on April 17, 2023

in Theater-Regional , Tours

THIS HEAVYWEIGHT TAKES THE PRIZE

Can you ask for a more perfect pairing than a drag queen and the high camp of musical theater? In this national tour production of Hairspray , Tracy Turnblad and friends turn up the heat with their dance movies on the stage of Segerstrom Hall. The band is tight, the movements are swell, and the jokes are non-stop. And, if you are one of those theater snobs like yours truly that care about craft and storytelling, it is there too. This is a show that takes wrapping the medicine with a shit-ton of sugar seriously.

On the surface, this is a good ”ugly duckling” story mixed in with a little Cinderella. Literally, Tracy ( Nicki Metcalf ), our heroine, dances with rats at her feet in the opening number “Good Morning Baltimore.” She is a big girl with a big personality and an even bigger dream. Her BFF Penny Pingleton ( Emery Henderson ) is always at her side to play along with her fantasies, as and break out into spontaneous bursts of song and dance.

Cinderella had her evil stepmother and sisters, Tracy has the mother-daughter local television royalty, Amber and Velma Von Tussle ( Ryahn Evers and Addison Garner ). They are the skinny blonde queen bees of their kingdom, and are both fat-phobic and racist. Link, the prince charming of our story, played by a very easy on the eyes Nick Cortazzo , is a local teenage celebrity on the Corny Collins show. So, when a free-wheeling teenager takes an unexpected maternity leave from the show, the dream spot opens for all the teenage girls of Baltimore to try out. Tracy, our heroine, is hellbent on attending the audition to realize her dream to be on TV.

A more serious subplot is beneath Tracy’s arc. The racial tensions of 1950s America played out to the hilt in Baltimore. The progressive TV host Corny Collins ( Billy Dawson ) aims to integrate black talent into his show. And, you betcha, this goal is met with fierce protest and anger from the TV producers and the Ultra-Clutch Hairspray sponsor which just created a brand marketed to African Americans. The irony is not subtle. The entertainment industry is portrayed as only too happy to steal profit, dance moves, and music from the black community and concurrently uphold Jim-Crow era racist segregation. Perhaps perfectly captured by Miss Baltimore Crab, Velma Von Tussle, in one of her not-so-subtle rebuttals against Corny, ”We must guide our kids in the White direction.”

I can not love this cast enough. Boy, they all can sing! Metcalf’s voice is rich, powerful, and jovial. Her dance moves are filled with spunk. Cortazzo’s Link is sexy and gives a little Freddie Mercury vibe. Andrew Levitt as Nina West is a triumph in the role of Tracy’s mom Edna Turnblad. This queen is more than just funny. She carries each scene with grace, gravitas, and, yes, emotion. Sandie Lee’s powerhouse vocals as Black activist Motormouth Maybelle in “I Know Where I’ve Been” is sensationally emotional.

The evening’s most stunning, shining jewels are the Dynamite ladies: Jade Turner, Melanie Puente Ervin, and Sydney Archbald . The hall was lit with electric energy when they broke into their individual solos. Their voices were so bright and sonorous.

Shannon Slaton’s sound design is superb. The ensemble mixing is absolutely perfect. There were some hiccups made by the sound-op, but the balance of the ensemble is tuned as close to perfection as live theater gets. As the band was also not mixed too loudly, you could understand the lyrics perfectly. William Ivey Long , Paul Huntley , and Bernie Ardia’s wig and costume designs are tremendous fun. They are so campy, and they made Nina West look terrific.

I wish more musical theater were like this. It is filled with fun and talent of all shapes, sizes, and races that come together to tell the story of our country’s history. To be sure, it is not without inaccuracies because it is theater, not a scholarly textbook. However, it helps us think about the world differently. Perhaps, if we all had a little of Tracy’s can-do attitude, we might get through life together as a community.

Go watch this. Hell, take your grandmother, your racist uncle, your conspiracy theorist mother-in-law, your plants and your pets. Miracles can result from a shift in perception.

photos by Jeremy Daniel

Hairspray national tour reviewed at Segerstrom (ends April 29) tour continues: for tickets, dates and cities, visit Hairspray Tour

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