MISSOULA – 

Piled bouffant-high hair, laughter, romance and a nonstop platter party are just part of the fun when “Hairspray,” Broadway’s musical comedy phenomenon, hits Missoula on Tuesday, April 13.

 The Missoula production begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Adams Center at The University of Montana. Tickets are $37 and can be purchased at all GrizTix outlets, by calling 406-243-4051 or 888-MONTANA, or online at http://www.griztix.com .

Winner of eight 2003 Tony Awards including Best Musical, “Hairspray” celebrated more than six record-breaking years during its Broadway run and inspired a major motion picture.

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” is based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, who served as creative consultant on the musical comedy. Produced by NETworks Presentations, it features an original score by Academy Award-nominated Marc Shaiman (who co-wrote the music and lyrics for the acclaimed animated musical “South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut”) and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The production is based on Jack O’Brien’s original direction and Jerry Mitchell’s original choreography, re-created by Matt Lenz and Danny James Austin.

“A great big fat gorgeous hit,” writes Clive Barnes of the New York Post. “Completely irresistible! Get those tickets now!”

###

JF/bd

Local, specialized western

020910hair