“Hairspray” set to play at Heinz Hall

“Hairspray” set to play at Heinz Hall

By Judi Panasik
The Weekly Recorder
March 14, 2008

Not to give away my age but I actually saw the original John Waters Hairspray movie in high school. And if you are not familiar with Water’s work, no it is never ordinary but always funny with some message behind it.

But the Broadway musical has been more of a success than the original movie ever was. It’s won over 8 Tony Awards along with countless others. It has been a Broadway smash hit and has inspired the musical version of the movie. Filled with endless humor, romance and incredible music and dancing the musical is more entertainment than anyone needs in one night.

Set in Baltimore in the 1960’s and based around a dance program called “The Corny Collins Show,” Hairspray the musical takes us back in time when high hair was in and political correctness was out.
The main character, Tracey Turnblad, is plus-sized teenager who loves to dance. She gets the opportunity to be on the "The Corny Collins Show” where she begins to overpower the reigning princess of the show with her big hair, unique fashion and kind hearted personality.

But the beauty of the story isn’t just that being yourself can bring you popularity, it’s also a love story where the unlikely girl has a shot at the guy everyone wants.

Hairspray is a musical older children and adults can enjoy. It’s an inspirational and heartwarming tale. It’s the type of play you take your kids to see now and then again years from now.

Hairspray will be playing a limited run at Heinz Hall from March 18-22. Tickets range from $20.50 to $62. Shows on Tuesday and Wednesday will be at 7:30 P.M. Thursday there will be a matinee at 1 P.M. and another performance at 7:30. Friday the show starts at 8 P.M. and Saturday shows are at 2 P.M. and 8 P.M. You can purchase tickets by calling (412) 392-4900 or group sales at (412) 392-4819.

They can also be purchased at the Box Office at Theater Square or at
The HAIRSPRAY web site can be found at