It's common practice in regional theatre for companies to offer lower-priced previews, but Hairspray is getting in on the uncommon-for-Broadway act. After the hit musical comedy's opening night performance Aug. 15, tickets priced at $95 will rise to $100.

Ironically, in Hairspray's pre-Broadway run in Seattle, the top ticket price — $58 — was seven dollars lower than the lowest Broadway price of $65. High-priced tickets have been a badge of honor for high-demand shows — The Producers stayed just shy of the $100 mark with a $99 ticket price, while the upcoming Gypsy revival with Bernadette Peters is rumored to be charging as much as $125 for a prime place in the orchestra Saturday nights (According to the show's press representative, tickets will not top $100).

Prime Hairspray tickets can also be had through the Broadway Inner Circle, the same service which also offers seats at The Producers and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Those run at $200 with a $40 service fee and are not available at the box office.

Hairspray began previews July 18 at the newly renovated Neil Simon Theatre. The Marc Shaiman-Scott Wittman-Mark O'Donnell-Thomas Meehan musicalization of the cult John Waters film is set to open Aug. 15, two days after its original cast album is released by Sony Classical.

For tickets in New York ($65-$95, currently on sale through Dec. 1), call (212) 307 4100. The Neil Simon Theatre is located at 250 W. 52nd Street. Hairspray is on the web at http://www.hairsprayonbroadway.com. Broadway Inner Circle is on the web at http://www.broadwayinnercircle.com.