hairspray tour 2022 cast

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Your home for information about the touring broadway productions in north america, cast updates for the national tour of ‘hairspray’.

The producers of  Hairspray , Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning musical comedy phenomenon, have just announced the new cast for the North American tour, helmed by  Jack O’Brien  and  Jerry Mitchell .

During its first touring season (November 12, 2021 to July 3, 2022), the production played 210 performances in 61 cities in 30 states, to nearly 350,000 audience members from coast to coast. Critics cheered the “stellar production” ( DC Metro Theater Arts ) with “catchy music, bright colors and lively dancing” ( Appleton Post Crescent ) is “brand new, perfect and more timely than ever” ( San Diego Union Tribune ). “ Andrew Levitt  wins hearts as Edna” ( San Diego Union Tribune ), “ Niki Metcalf  draws you in with her adorable voice & playfulness” ( Out in Jersey ) and “ Sandie Lee  is an extraordinary addition to this cast with her rich and resonant vocals and commanding presence onstage” ( BroadwayWorld ).

Hairspray will kick off at The Carson Center in Paducah, KY, prior to visiting more than 55 cities in its second touring season, including Los Angeles, Boston, Costa Mesa, Seattle, Milwaukee, Austin, San Antonio, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Durham, Columbus and more. See all announced touring engagements by clicking here , or by visiting www.hairspraytour.com .

Returning cast members  Andrew Levitt aka Nina West  (from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”)   as Edna Turnblad,  Niki Metcalf  as Tracy Turnblad,  Sandie Lee  as Motormouth Maybelle,  Billy Dawson  as Corny Collins,  Ryahn Evers  as Amber Von Tussle,  Addison Garner  as Velma Von Tussle, and  Emery Henderson  as Penny Pingleton will be joined by new principal cast members  Charlie Bryant III  as Seaweed J. Stubbs,  Ralph Prentice Daniel  as Wilbur Turnblad,  Brayden Krikke  as Link Larkin and  Joi D. McCoy  as Little Inez.

The ensemble consists of Sydney Archibald, Kelly Barberito, Tommy Betz, Helene Britany, Caroline Eiseman, Melanie Puente Ervin, Craig First, Alex Fullerton, Annie Gagen, Carly Haig, Lauren Johnson, Sabrina Joseph, Greg Kalafatas, Kyle Kavully, Matthew J. Kelly, McLaine Meachem, Faith Northcutt, Nicholas Dion Reese, Sage, Micah Sauvageau, Clint Maddox Thompson, Jade Turner, Mickey White and Emmanuelle Zeesman.

Hairspray is the story of 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960’s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? Featuring the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the 60’s,” “Good Morning Baltimore,” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” Hairspray is “fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!” ( The New York Times ).

This new touring production reunites Broadway’s award-winning creative team, led by Director Jack O’Brien and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell, to bring Hairspray to a new generation of theater audiences. Hairspray is based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, who served 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 and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The tour is produced by NETworks Presentations.

ANDREW LEVITT  ( Edna Turnblad ) is thrilled to be part of the cast of  Hairspray . He has performed as drag queen Nina West since 2001 and competed on Season 11 of  RuPaul’s Drag Race,  for which he was named Miss Congeniality. On stage, he starred in the regional premieres of  Buyer and Cellar  (Alex More) and  Peter and the Starcatcher  (Betty Bumbrake), and also appeared in Disney’s  The Little Mermaid  (Ursula) in 2019. Other TV credits:  RuPaul’s Celebrity Drag Race,  “Dragging the Classics: The Brady Bunch” (Alice, Paramount+), “‘This Is Me’ Pride Celebration Spectacular” (Disney+), “The Blue’s Clues Pride Parade Singalong” and “The Meaning of Pride” (Nickelodeon). He provided the voice for the animated short  Coaster . Andrew has released music EP’s “Drag Is Magic,” “The West Christmas Ever,” and “John Goodman” as Nina West; all have charted on Billboard’s Top 10 for Children’s Music and Comedy. Throughout his drag career, he has raised over $4 million dollars and started his own foundation, The Nina West Foundation, primarily serving LGBTQIA+ organizations and causes. Thanks to Mom, Dad, PT. For KR.  ninawest.com , @ninawest

NIKI METCALF  ( Tracy Turnblad ) is thrilled to be taking on a role she’s dreamed of playing since she first saw the original Broadway production! As a New York based actress from Saugerties, NY, and graduate of Montclair State University with a degree in Musical Theatre, some of her favorite credits include  The Little Engine that Could Earns Her Whistle  (Little Red, ArtsPower National Tour) and  …Spelling Bee  (Olive). Beyond grateful to my friends and family for their constant support, and to the team for this incredible opportunity to “eat some breakfast then change the world!” @nikimetcalf

SANDIE LEE  ( Motormouth Maybelle ) is a native of Columbus, MS. She holds a Master’s Degree in Performing Arts, from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). She has appeared in the National tour of  The Color Purple  (Shug Avery), Norwegian Cruise Line’s  After Midnight , opening act for Frankie Beverly and Maze, and American Idol Season 13. She’s also a songwriter. Her music can be found on all major music streaming platforms. Sandie is ecstatic and grateful to hit the road with the cast  Hairspray . She gives thanks to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for all her accomplishments and her parents, Carol and Sandy Lee, for their unwavering support. @sandieglee Philippians 4:6-7

CHARLIE BRYANT III  ( Seaweed J. Stubbs ) is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. Charlie is excited to be making his National Tour Debut in the role of Seaweed. The latest credits include  Spelling Bee  (Mitch),  Once on this Island  (StoryTeller), and  Company  (Peter). Charlie gives thanks to all his friends and family for their fantastic support. Social Media: Instagram: @iamcharliebryant Facebook: @Charlie Bryant

RALPH PRENTICE DANIEL  ( Wilbur Turnblad ). National tour debut! International: Universal Beijing Resort (opening cast) Regional:  Oliver!  (Fagin),  Assassins  (Guiteau) ,   It Shoulda Been You  (Albert) ,   Tuck Everlasting  (Man in Yellow),  Seussical  (Mr. Mayor),  Elf the Musical  (Walter Hobbs),  The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – the Musical  (Reverend Hopkins),  Newsies  (Pulitzer),  Mary Poppins  (George Banks),  Footloose  (Rev. Shaw),  9 to 5  (Hart). Love to friends, family, Gabe, and The Hell’s Kitchen Agency.

BILLY DAWSON  ( Corny Collins ). National tour debut! International: Universal Studios Japan. Regional:  The Hunchback of Notre Dame  (Quasimodo) , The Last Five Years  (Jamie),  Jekyll & Hyde  (Jekyll/Hyde),  The Light in the Piazza  (Fabrizio),  Cabaret  (Emcee),  The Rocky Horror Show  (Dr. Frank-N-Furter). Love and thanks to Mom, CF, Big Mouth Talent, and the  Hairspray  family. @dawsonbilly,  www.billydawson.net

RYAHN EVERS  ( Amber Von Tussle ) is thrilled to bring this bratty blonde to stages across America! Originally from Denver, Ryahn is an alumnus of the University of Northern Colorado. Select regional/collegiate roles include  Xanadu  (Kira),  Chicago  (Roxie),  First Date  (Casey). She is forever grateful to her dad, stepmom, sisters, and her team at Ann Steele Agency for supporting her endlessly. She’d like to thank Stewart/Whitley and the entire team at Hairspray for thinking she is talented and funny. Instagram: @ryahn 

ADDISON GARNER  ( Velma Von Tussle ), a southern gal from Alabama, is ecstatic to be joining the national tour of  Hairspray . A musical theater graduate from the University of Mobile, favorite credits include  Damn Yankees  (Lola),  Crazy for You  (Irene),  Singin’ in the Rain  (Lina) and RCCL’s  Hairspray . Forever grateful for her family, friends, Sharp Studios, and ATB Talent for their endless encouragement, support, and love. Philippians 4:13. @addisongarner

EMERY HENDERSON  ( Penny Pingleton ) waited in line for nine hours to audition for this show. Then, there was a global pandemic. She grew up in Western MA with her mom Gail, her dad Michael, and her siblings, Elliot and Nina.

BRAYDEN KRIKKE  ( Link Larkin ) is incredibly excited to be making his national tour debut! BFA Musical Theatre, Favorite credits:  25 th …Spelling Bee  (Chip),  The Little Mermaid  (Prince Eric),  The Addams Family  (Lucas). Special thanks to friends and family, past and present teachers, Stewart/Whitley, and the  Hairspray  team. Instagram: @BKrikk3.  www.BraydenKrikke.com . SDG

JOI D. McCOY  ( Little Inez ) is a recent graduate of UCLA’s Musical Theatre program. She grew up in Fort Lauderdale, FL, training in ballet, jazz, modern as well as vocal studies. Regional:  Bring It On: The Musical  (Eva),  Spamalot  (Patsy),  Once on This Island  (Little Ti Moune),  Mamma Mia!  (Ali). Joi is excited to travel the country in her dream role with her dream cast.

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A stellar ‘Hairspray’ on tour at the National can’t stop the beat

The timeless musical's energy and exuberance are front and center.

This Hairspray was the third go-around for me! I saw the show first on Broadway, with R&B star Tevin Campbell as Seaweed, then at Kennedy Center, and last night at the National.

Each time I was thoroughly entertained, and each time it felt fresh and inspiring. So I was trying to come up with a word that truly expresses my affection for this show and it is rousing !

Because of technical difficulties, there was a 30-minute delay before the curtain, which seemed like an eternity. But the wait was well worth it. The energy and exuberance were front and center and remained throughout the show. You would think my familiarity with the show would render it without the surprises one hopes for in musical theater. However, this performance gave tremendous witness to what talent, expertise, imagination, and highly skilled technical production values can do to “an old chestnut.”

Let’s start with the casting: the lead role of Tracy Turnblad, the plump and cruelly maligned teenager who just wants to be on a local TV dance show was portrayed by Faith Northcutt, the understudy. Seeing her it was hard to imagine how much better the original lead, Niki Metcalf, could possibly be. From Northcutt’s initial appearance getting out of bed and singing “Good Morning Baltimore,” she draws you in with her vocal clarity and melodic playfulness (much like you would expect of a 16-year-old). In the script, Tracy’s physicality brings her scorn and criticism from her peers, showing how senseless and cruel body shaming can be. But the vulnerability Northcutt conveys really underlies her true strength of character. Brava!

The second standout performance is the role of Tracy’s mother, Edna, a more mature version of her daughter. This role was originated by the inimitable Harvey Fierstein, and his brilliance designated drag casting for all future productions. Edna is portrayed by Andrew Levitt, a standout of Season 11 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. His comic sensibility and physical adroitness (for a 6-foot-4-inch man in women’s clothes) are a joy to behold, and the interplay between him and Tracy as well as with Edna’s husband, Wilbur (Christopher Swan), is a touching portrait of familial love, support, and understanding. Wow!

Then there is Motormouth Maybelle (Sandie Lee), a proud, middle-aged Black mother who hosts a dance show for Black teenagers but who is also a proud and stalwart crusader for racial equality in her community. She is authoritative, without being domineering, and is a woman who has learned the hard lessons of racial discrimination. She brings it out forcefully in her beautifully rendered “I Know Where I’ve Been,” a song that gives the show a stirring moment of insight and poignance not generally expected in musicals. Kudos!

Finally, this company of performers is all accomplished as singers, dancers, and definitely actors, and their ensemble enactments are a director’s satisfaction and an audience’s joy. The technical support is equally outstanding. The direction of Matt Lenz, the choreography of Michelle Lynch, the costumes by William Ivey Long, the scenic design by David Rockwell, the wigs and hair design by Paul Huntley and Richard Mawbey, the lighting design by Paul Miller, and the sound design by Shannon Slaton are all top-notch and make the telling of this timeless story all the more believable and meaningful.

It all ends with a celebratory, spirited, and jubilant rendition of “You Can’t Stop the Beat!” Yeah, rousing is just the right word for this stellar production.

Running Time: Approximately two hours 30 minutes, including one intermission.

Hairspray plays through May 15, 2022, on tour at the National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC. Evening performances each day are at 7:30 pm. Matinee performances on Saturday and Sunday, May 14 and 15, are at 2 pm. Tickets (starting at $50) are available online .

The Hairspray North American tour cast and creative credits are  here.

COVID Safety:  All guests must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 with a photo ID before entering The National Theatre. For guests under age 12 and those who need a reasonable accommodation for medical reasons or due to a sincerely held religious belief, please review the Frequently Asked Questions at  COVID-19 Info Center  for additional information. Masks are required for all guests, regardless of vaccination status and/or age. Masks must be worn at all times.

SEE ALSO: Broadway at The National to kick off 2022-23 season of hit shows  (season announcement)

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The non-Equity tour uses Jack O’Brien’s original direction and Jerry Mitchell’s choreography.

The North American tour of  Hairspray ,  which resumed performances in September 2022, has announced casting and its touring schedule for 2023-2024.

The non-Equity production, which uses Jack O’Brien’s original direction and  Jerry Mitchell ‘s choreography, will visit 45 cities, including premiere engagements in Calgary, Alberta;  Charlotte , North Carolina; Cleveland, Ohio; Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Edmonton, Alberta; Houston, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; Ottawa, Ontario; and Vancouver, British Columbia; as well as return engagements in Boston, Massachusetts; San Antonio, Texas; and St. Louis, Missouri.

The cast will be led by Greg Kalafatas as Edna Turnblad, Caroline Eiseman as Tracy Turnblad, and  Deidre Lang  as Motormouth Maybelle.

The three will be joined by Josiah Rogers as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Skyler Shields as Link Larkin, Ralph Prentice Daniel as Wilbur Turnblad, Andrew Scoggin as Corny Collins, Caroline Portner as Amber Von Tussle, Sarah Hayes as Velma Von Tussle, Scarlett Jacques as Penny Pingleton, Kaila Symone Crowder as Little Inez, Micah Sauvageau as the Male Authority Figure, and Emmanuelle Zeesman as the Female Authority Figure.

The ensemble consists of Abigail Bensman, Connor Buonaccorsi, Ashia Collins, Joshua James Crawford, Scoob Decker, Craig First, Audrey Taylor Floyd, Gavin Guthrie, Alyssa Jacqueline, Leiah Lewis, Christy Oberndorf, Kynnedi Moryaé Porter, Caroline Purdy, Kalab Quinn, Josiah Thomas Randolph, Amy Rodriguez, Sage, Scott Silagy, Cara Torchia, Lilliannie Arie Urgent, and James Douglas Vinson.

“It’s a brand-new world we find ourselves in today, and  Hairspray  is even more relevant than 20 years ago when it first burst onto the scene. With a whole new generation of wildly talented kids across the board, we cannot wait to raise the various roofs once more with dance, joy, music, and that glorious, famous, energy-packed score!” says director O’Brien.

Choreographer Mitchell adds, “ Hairspray  has always been about all of us dancing together! I am thrilled to welcome this  new  company of amazing #FULLOUT talents to lead the way as we dance across America with a message of inclusion and hope because ‘You  really  Can’t Stop the Beat!’”

Based on the  New Line Cinema  film written and directed by  John Waters ,  Hairspray  features a book by Mark O’Donnell and  Thomas Meehan  and an original score by  Marc Shaiman  and  Scott Wittman .

This production also has tour direction by  Matt Lenz , tour choreography by Robbie Roby, set design by  David Rockwell , lighting design by  Kenneth Posner , tour lighting design by  Paul Miller , costume design by  William Ivey Long , hair and wig design by  Paul Huntley ,  Richard Mawbey , and Bernie Ardia, sound design by  Shannon Slaton , music supervision by  Keith Thompson , and casting by Prather Productions.

Hairspray  premiered at Seattle’s 5th Avenue Theater in June 2002. The Broadway production won eight 2003 Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The tour is produced by NETworks Presentations.

Original story: Playbill.com

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Run & Tell That! New Cast Members Join Andrew Levitt in Hairspray National Tour

New cast members are joining the national touring production of Hairspray , starring Andrew Levitt a.k.a. RuPaul's Drag Race  favorite Nina West as Edna Turnblad. Helmed by Jack O’Brien and Jerry Mitchell, the tour will relaunch at the Carson Center in Paducah, Kentucky before visiting more than 55 cities, including Los Angeles, Boston, Costa Mesa, Seattle, Milwaukee, Austin, San Antonio, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Durham, Columbus and more. During its first touring season from November 12, 2021 through July 3, 2022, the production played 210 performances in 61 cities in 30 states.

New principal cast members include Charlie Bryant III as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Ralph Prentice Daniel as Wilbur Turnblad, Nick Cortazzo as Link Larkin and Joi D. McCoy as Little Inez. In addition to Levitt, returning cast members include Niki Metcalf as Tracy Turnblad, Sandie Lee as Motormouth Maybelle, Billy Dawson as Corny Collins, Ryahn Evers as Amber Von Tussle, Addison Garner as Velma Von Tussle and Emery Henderson as Penny Pingleton.

The ensemble consists of Sydney Archibald, Kelly Barberito, Tommy Betz, Helene Britany, Caroline Eiseman, Melanie Puente Ervin, Craig First, Alex Fullerton, Annie Gagen, Carly Haig, Lauren Johnson, Sabrina Joseph, Greg Kalafatas, Kyle Kavully, Matthew J. Kelly, McLaine Meachem, Faith Northcutt, Nicholas Dion Reese, Sage, Micah Sauvageau, Clint Maddox Thompson, Jade Turner, Mickey White and Emmanuelle Zeesman.

Hairspray , which features a Tony-winning score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and a Tony-winning book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, is the story of teen Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world?

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Hairspray musical tour full cast announced

Find out who’ll be joining Brenda Edwards and Norman Pace

The touring production of Hairspray has unveield full casting.

Opening at Theatre Royal Plymouth (subject to the easing of restrictions) on 24 June 2021, the much-loved musical will head out to theatres across the UK and Ireland.

Hairspray the Musical is based on the 1988 film by John Waters and starred Divine and Ricki Lake. It tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a Baltimore schoolgirl in 1962 who is determined to follow her dreams and perform on national TV.

Katie Brace will make her professional stage debut as Tracy Turnblad with Brenda Edwards as Motormouth Maybelle, Norman Pace as Wilbur Turnblad alongside West End leading man Alex Bourne as Edna Turnblad.

Also appearing are Rebecca Thornhill as Velma, Richard Meek as Corny Collins, Ross Clifton as Link Larkin, Jessica Croll as Amber Von Tussle, Rebecca Jane Davies as Penny Pingleton and Charlotte St Croix as Little Inez.

The full cast includes: Elizabeth Armstrong, Bernadette Bangura, Natalia Brown, Shaquille Brush, Liam Dean, Andrew Dillion, Amandla Elynah, Zoe Heighton, Ceris Hine, Paul Hutton, Jamie Jonathan, Hayley Johnston, Joshua Nkemdilim, Rosie O'Hare, Alexanda O'Reilly, Joshua Pearson, Joseph Poulton and Elliotte Williams-N'Dure.

After Plymouth, the production will visit the following venues in 2021: Mayflower Theatre, Southampton, Manchester Palace Theatre, Sheffield Lyceum, Ipswich Regent Theatre, Aylesbury Waterside Theatre, Edinburgh Playhouse, The Alhambra Theatre, Bradford, Brighton Theatre Royal, Birmingham Hippodrome, Leicester Curve, Nottingham Theatre Royal, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Dublin, Grand Opera House Belfast, New Victoria Theatre, Woking, Milton Keynes Theatre and Blackpool Grand Theatre. More dates are to be announced for 2022.

Featuring music and lyrics by the Academy Award-winning duo Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, this production is directed by Paul Kerryson and have choreography by Drew McOnie. The full creative team and cast are still to be announced.

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