You can't stop the beat - Hairspray is coming to New London

Feb 05, 2008 9:00 AM - 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 vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do?

After its acclaimed world premiere at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre in June 2002, the fantastically fun musical opened on Broadway in August 2002 to rave reviews. It’s the winner of eight 2003 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. As The New York Times says, “If life were everything it should be, it would be more like Hairspray. It’s irresistible!”

HAIRSPRAY is based on John Waters’ 1988 film of the same name; Waters also served as a creative consultant on the musical comedy. It features a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, original score by Academy Award-nominated Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. This production of HAIRSPRAY is based on Jack O’Brien’s original direction and Jerry Mitchell’s original choreography, recreated by Matt Lenz and Danny James Austin, respectively. HAIRSPRAY is produced by NETworks Presentations. For more information, visit www.hairsprayontour.com

Tickets for HAIRSPRAY ($47-$66) are now on sale to the general public at the Garde Box Office, 325 State Street; by phone at (860) 444-7373; and online at www.gardearts.org.

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CALENDAR LISTING

What: HAIRSPRAY
Can a big girl with big dreams – and even bigger hair! – change the world . . . and still have time to win the boy she loves? Hairspray is a mega-hit is piled bouffant-high with laughter and romance – and enough deliriously tuneful new songs to fill a nonstop platter-party. Series sponsored by Citizens Bank.

When: Saturday, March 15, 2008 | 8:00 pm
Sunday, March 16, 2008 | 2:00 and 7:00 pm

Ticket Prices: Orchestra $58, Loge $66, Balcony $47

Box Office: (860) 444-7373

Online Ticketing: http://www.gardearts.org/

MEDIA INFO

For high resolution photos and cast interviews, please contact Amy Moum, amy@gardearts.org

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Now in its eighty-first season, the Garde Arts Center is southeastern Connecticut’s non-profit center for the performing arts. The Garde owns and operates the historic Garde Theatre where it presents musicals, opera, orchestras, contemporary music, dance, and family events. The Garde produces the annual New London Film Festival, and provides after-school programs and matinee performances to more than 10,000 young people. Under the leadership of Steve Sigel, Executive Director, since 1988, the Garde has become a major catalyst for the cultural and economic revitalization of New London.

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