Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman's musical, which continues to play New York's Neil Simon Theatre and received eight 2003 Tonys including Best Musical, was previously booked at London's Adelphi Theatre, but was delayed to avoid clashing with the opening of the film version — starring John Travolta — that is due for American release in July. Set in 1960's Baltimore, the show is based on John Waters' 1988 movie of the same name. With a book by Marc O'Donnell, the story follows the fortunes of "pleasantly plump" Baltimore teenager Tracy Turnblad, who yearns to perform in the Corny Collins Dance Show.

Transformed overnight from outsider to teen celebrity, Tracy's next mission is to vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show.

The Broadway hit, directed by Jack O'Brien and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, premiered at New York's Neil Simon Theatre in 2002.