Marking the 25th anniversary of John Waters’ original film, the concerts will feature Waters (Narrator), Micky Dolenz (Wilbur Turnblad), Tony winner Beth Leavel (Velma Von Tussle), Paul Vogt (Edna Turnblad), Nick Adams (Link Larkin), Marissa Perry (Tracy Turnblad), NaTasha Yvette Williams (Motormouth Maybelle), Alix Korey (Prudy Pingleton), Julie Kavanagh (Penny Pingleton), Rhiannon Hansen (Amber Von Tussle), Bret Shuford (Corny Collins), Marcus Terell (Seaweed J. Stubbs), John Phillips (Mr. Pinky) and the Divas of Song (Dynamites), led by Natalie Perkins.
“If there’s ever a time to do a concert production of this classic story and musical, it’s now,” said Jack Everly, who serves as Principal Pops Conductor for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, in a statement. “All of the stars are aligned: We have the original filmmaker John Waters, a superior cast of actors, singers and Broadway stars, many of whom have performed in previous Hairspray productions, the epitome of 1960s pop culture with musician Micky Dolenz, and two major orchestras collaborating in this significant full symphonic production."
Hairspray: In Concert!, which is produced by Ty Johnson, Senior Pops Producer at the ISO, and Matthew Spivey, Vice President of Artistic Operations at the BSO, will be directed by David Levy with staging and choreography by Jennifer Ladner and costuming by Clare Henkel.
Set in the 1960s in his hometown of Baltimore, John Waters wrote the film of "Hairspray," the "story of the misadventures of 'pleasantly plump' Tracy Turnblad, whose aspirations of fame lead her to find celebrity on a locally-produced dance program. Her dreams for stardom are quickly traded for more important dreams: integrating the show in the racially divided city of Baltimore."
The Broadway adaptation of the film won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 2003. The musical has a book by Thomas Meehan and Mark O'Donnell and songs by Marc Shaiman (music and lyrics) and Scott Wittman (lyrics) For information on tickets and show times in Indianapolis, contact the ISO at (317) 639-4300 or www.IndianapolisSymphony.org; and in Baltimore, contact the BSO at (410) 783-8000 or www.bsomusic.org.
