The secrets of Hairspray's success will be probed Dec. 9 at the American Theatre Wing's "Working in the Theatre" seminar.

Theodore Chapin will moderate the discussion, which will cover all aspects of the hit musical comedy's life from the first sparks of creation to actual production.

Producers Richard Frankel and Margo Lion, book writers Thomas Meehan and Mark O'Donnell, choreographer Jerry Mitchell, director Jack O'Brien and composer-lyricist team Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman will all participate in the seminar. The theatre talk, held at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, runs 10 AM noon.

Created by American Theatre Wing chairman Isabelle Stevenson and produced by Stevenson and Wing president Roy A. Somlyo, the "Working in the Theatre" seminars are now in their 30th year. The series is broadcast six times a week on CUNY-TV (Time Warner channel 75 and RCN channel 106). They are also shown on Channel 36 in Los Angeles; check local listings.

The seminars are free and open to the public, although reservations must be made in advance by calling (212) 765 0606, faxing to (212) 307-1910 or e-mailing [email protected]. The Graduate Center of the City University of New York is located at 365 Fifth Avenue at 34th Street in Manhattan.