HAIRSPRAY Dances Final 'Beat' Today Jan. 4th

On January 4th 2009, after over 2,641 performances, the curtain will fall at the Neil Simon Theater on the final performance of Broadway's 2003 Tony Award® musical HAIRSPRAY starring original cast members Harvey Fierstein and Marissa Jaret Winokur.

In Hairspray it's 1962-the '50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion-to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, "The Corny Collins Show" and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a plus-size trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do? Only in Hairspray! Welcome to the '60s!

Hairspray, which celebrated its sixth anniversary on Broadway in August 2008, is the winner of eight 2003 Tony Awards, including best musical, best actor, best actress, best featured actor, best score, best book, best director, and best costume design. Hairspray also swept every one of the year's best musical awards, winning, in addition to the Tony, the New York Drama Critics Circle Award, the Drama Desk Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award, and the Drama League Award.

Hairspray will closes the Neil Simon Theatre after the performance on Sunday, January 4, 2009, after having played 2,641 performances and 31 previews. Hairspray is the 19th longest running show in Broadway history and has currently grossed over $265 million during its Broadway run.

For Hairspray ticket information, phone Ticketmaster at 212-307-4100, or for group sales, phone 212-302-7000 or 800-677-1164. Hairspray offers the ShowTrans system for foreign-speaking audience members in the following languages: French, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. Same-day, lottery tickets are sold at the box office for seats in the first row of the orchestra. For more information about Hairspray, please consult the Hairspray website at www.hairsprayonbroadway.com.