The hit Broadway show Hairspray is now playing in Austin and, let me tell you, this is a fun one! I had only seen the show on screen and I was worried I would be disappointed. I most definitely was not – though a surprise appearance from Austinite James Marsden would have been fun (he played Corny Collins in the big screen adaptation)!
In case you aren’t familiar with the show, here’s the premise. Set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, the story follows teenage Tracy Turnblad’s dream to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program. When the 16-year-old wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight, leading to social change as Tracy campaigns for the show’s integration. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world?
Featuring hit songs including “Welcome to the 60’s,” “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” you’ll be laughing, cheering and tapping along to this is bright and bubbly production.
I loved the entire cast but the standouts for me were Addison Garner as Velma Von Tussle and Emery Henderson as Penny Pingleton. Henderson stood in line for nine hours at the open casting call to audition for the role. You can see the show for yourself and pick your favorite performance through Sunday at the Bass Concert Hall.
WHAT: Hairspray
WHEN: June 12 through 18, 2023
WHERE: Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Drive
TICKETS: Tickets start at $30 and are available at texasperformingarts.org and BroadwayinAustin.com or by phone at (512) 477-1444, or from the Texas Performing Arts ticket office at Bass Concert Hall.
