Prepare for a grand music spectacle as the breathtaking production of Hairspray comes to Ohio! From November 8 to 13, the Ohio Theatre Columbus will host eight showings of the Tony-Award-winning musical, Hairspray! The shows are part of the production’s extensive tour across North America. Hairspray’s storyline is complete with humor, chasing your dreams, and remarkable ‘60s music that will have audiences tapping their feet! If only we could get up and dance, we would! Nevertheless, the viewers will still have a blast watching Tracy Turnbland’s story unfold as she dances and fulfills her dreams! Hairspray is renowned for its remarkable score written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman. Meanwhile, the show’s storyline is based on the book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan. To experience a fun, upbeat, and feel-good musical, you should check out Hairspray at the Ohio Theatre this November! Hurry and grab your tickets now before it’s too late!
Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, an overweight high school student in Baltimore. After school, Tracy and her best friend Penny rush home to watch their favorite TV show, the Corny Collins Show. One day, the show announced that public auditions would be held after one of the council members took a leave of absence for “nine months.” Tracy begged her mother Prudy to let her audition. Prudy, afraid of her daughter being laughed at, argues with Tracy about attending the auditions. After gaining her father’s permission, Tracy went to the auditions only to be rejected by the horrible producer. Tracy learned new dance moves from her friend and later showed her new skills to Corny Collins himself. Impressing Collins, she finally secured a coveted spot at the show. However, even after fulfilling her dream, Tracy’s place at the show is in jeopardy as some people want to ruin her.
Hairspray, which opened on Broadway in 2002, is based on John Walter’s 1998 film of the same name. The music is heavily influenced by 1960s dance music and downtown rhythm and blues. One year after opening on Broadway, the production set out on a U.S. tour, followed by a run in Toronto in 2004 and opening in London’s West End in 2008. In 2003, the musical won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Direction of a Musical. Meanwhile, Hairspray also secured nine Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Music.
Upon its opening, the musical was well-received by critics. The Guardian’s Arifa Akbar, who saw the U.K. production of Hairspray, described the show as uplifting. “It becomes unstoppably joyous. This works better for its uplifting message on female self-worth, but the upbeat mood on racial unity strikes a more dissonant note.” Meanwhile, Chicago Critic’s Tom Williams loved the musical’s whole aesthetic. “This is a major Broadway musical with all the bells and whistles. It looks great with colorful costumes, bright lights; it sings wonderfully, is richly funny, and dances up a storm.” Hairspray’s tour also received stellar reviews for its incredible cast. Ellion Lanes from BroadwayWorld can attest to this, “I encourage you to see the current tour of Hairspray. There is some incredible talent and the show as a whole delivers a great message in between all the fun music. ‘I Can Hear the Bells’ and so will you.”
Hairspray will open at the Ohio Theatre Columbus on Tuesday, 8th November, 2022. The premier entertainment venue is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to host major Broadway productions like Hairspray. Since 1969, the theater has housed Ohio’s most exciting events curated for music and arts-loving citizens. Guests visiting the venue can look forward to the ultimate entertainment experience thanks to 2,700 prime seats and top-tier sound and light equipment.
Experience Tracy Turnblad’s incredible story by scoring your tickets to Hairspray at the Ohio Theatre Columbus! Tickets to Hairspray from November 8 to 13 are now available!