Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee-Producing Artistic Director) announces that the 2010-2011 season opening production, Hairspray has extended its performance schedule. Originally scheduled to run through October 17, Hairspray will now run from September 22 through October 24, 2010. Casting will be announced soon. Hairspray is proudly sponsored by American Airlines, the official airline of Paper Mill Playhouse.
Winner of eight Tony Awards including "Best Musical" and "Best Original Score," the show Variety described as an "infinitely spirited, bubblegum-flavored confection," Hairspray launches Paper Mill Playhouse's 2010-2011 season, aerosol-style. You'll tap your feet to the beat as Tracy Turnblad and friends triumph over high school bullies, racism and enemies everywhere of big girls with big hair. Music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, and book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, viewers young and old will be shimmying in their seats as they enjoy hit favorites such as "I Can Hear The Bells," and "You Can't Stop The Beat." It's hair-hopping family fun in dazzling color and style.
Hairspray will be directed by Matt Lenz (original Broadway Direction by Jack O'Brien). Mr. Lenz recently was the Associate Director for Hairspray on Broadway, Las Vegas and Toronto productions. Other recent directing credits include: Wicked's 5th Anniversary Celebration at the Gershwin Theater on Broadway, Idaho! for the 2008 New York Musical Theater Festival, Saint Heaven, a world premiere musical at The Stamford Center for the Arts, Hairspray in South Africa, The Irish Curse by Martin Casella for the New York International Fringe Festival, South Pacific at Casa Mañana and North Carolina Theater, and Disney's Beauty and the Beast at The MUNY in St Louis. Mr. Lenz is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers. Michelle Lynch joins the production as Choreographer, with re-created steps based on the Original Broadway Choreography by Jerry Mitchell. Ms. Lynch returns to Paper Mill Playhouse where she choreographed last season's Little House On The Prairie, featuring Melissa Gilbert. Her Off-Broadway credits include 2009's Everyday Rapture. She has also worked as Assistant Choreographer for productions of Disney High School Musical and Meet Me in St. Louis, and served as the Associate Choreographer to Jerry Mitchell for Broadway's Legally Blonde. Tom Helm, Paper Mill Playhouse's resident master of music will serve the production as Musical Director.Videos