It’s time to spray your hair up and dance the night away. Hairspray, Broadway’s new musical comedy phenomenon, is coming to TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall, January 17-22. After its acclaimed world premiere at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theatre in June 2002, the fantastically fun musical opened on Broadway in August 2002 to rave reviews, winning eight 2003 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. And now, the people of Nashville will be swept away to 1960s Baltimore in this mega-hit, piled bouffant-high with laughter and romance – and enough deliriously tuneful songs to fill a nonstop platter party.

“Hairspray is a gigantic show in every sense of the word,” said Kathleen O’Brien, TPAC’s president and CEO. “In addition to show-stopping dance numbers, catchy songs and some of the most energetic cast members I’ve seen, Hairspray also explores some serious issues, including racial integration and body image.  It’s a journey back to the 60s, complete with unbelievable costumes and wigs.  This show is nonstop fun.”

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!

Everyone is raving about this delightful musical, including the critics. “A great big fat gorgeous hit,” claims Clive Barnes of the New York Post. “Completely irresistible! Get those tickets now!” declares syndicated columnist, Liz Smith. “So many numbers bring down the house, it’s a wonder the theater is still standing,” says Jeremy Gerard of New York Magazine.

Hairspray is based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, who serves as a creative consultant on the musical comedy. It features a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan. Hairspray 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 Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Hairspray is directed by Jack O’Brien and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell; the scenic design is by David Rockwell; the costume design is by William Ivey Long; the lighting design is by Kenneth Posner; and the sound design is by Steve C. Kennedy.

Tickets for Hairspray range from $21-75, depending upon performance times and seat locations. For tickets, visit the TPAC Box Office (Downtown or at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in The Mall at Green Hills), online at www.tpac.org, or any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets may also be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 615/255-ARTS (2787). For information on offers for groups of 20 or more, call TPAC Group Sales at 615/782-4060.

TPAC Education’s adult program, InsideOut, invites the public to attend the Hairspray Arts Appetizer on Wednesday, January 18, at TPAC’s Polk Theater Lobby from 6:15-7:00 p.m. The event includes food, fun and 60s-style makeovers.  With help from stylists with Rodney Mitchell Salons, we’ll make a few audience members bouffant-high while we talk about hair and fashion.  Space is limited for this free, public event, so call 615/687-4291 to RSVP or visit www.tpac.org/education for more information.

Dates: January 17-22, 2006, Andrew Jackson Hall

Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC), 505 Deaderick Street, Nashville

Times: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday; 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 8:00 p.m. Friday; 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Saturday; 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday

Tickets: $21-75, available at www.tpac.org, TPAC Box Office (Downtown or at Davis-Kidd Booksellers in The Mall at Green Hills), all Ticketmaster outlets; or by calling Ticketmaster, 615/255-ARTS (2787)