Hairspray extends booking period
Story by Lizzie Guilfoyle
HAIRSPRAY, which currently stars Brian Conley in the cross-dressing role of Edna Turnblad, has extended its booking period at the Shaftesbury Theatre by seven months – until October 24, 2010.
Previously Posted: On July 27, 2009, newcomer Chloe Hart and Liam Tamne (Wicked) will join the cast of Hairspray as Tracy Turnblad and Link Larkin, taking over from the show’s original stars Leanne Jones and Ben James Ellis. However, Nigel Planer and Verity Rushworth will continue in the roles of Wilbur Turnblad and Penny Pingleton.
Previously Posted: On July 27, 2009, Brian Conley will replace Michael Ball in the cross-dressing role of Edna Turnblad in the hit musical Hairspray, which is currently booking at the Shaftesbury Theatre until March 28, 2010.
After becoming a household name in television variety shows, Conley turned to the stage where his credits include Jolson, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Me and My Girl, Elton John’s Glasses and most recently, The Music Man (Chichester Festival Theatre).
Until May 3, 2009, Conley is touring with his new variety show, The Best of Brian Conley.
Based on John Waters’ cult 1988 film, Hairspray is the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart. But Tracy has a passion – to dance. And when she wins a spot on the local TV dance programme, ‘The Corny Collins Show’, she becomes an overnight success – no longer an outsider but an irrepressible teen celebrity.
The stage adaptation, which is directed by Jack O’Brien and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, has a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Whitman and Shaiman.
Amongst its many awards, the West End production of Hairspray scooped four 2008 Oliviers – Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical for Michael Ball, Best Actress in a Musical for Leanne Jones, and Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Tracie Bennett.
Michael Ball, who has been with the production since its UK premiere on October 30, 2007 (previews from October 11), will continue in the role of Edna Turnblad until July 25, 2009.
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