By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer
UPDATE: The Tuesday show has been rescheduled for Monday, Jan. 17. Contact Broadway Grand Rapids for more information.
NOTE: We regret to report that the Tuesday, Jan. 11, performance of “Hairspray” at DeVos Performance Hall is postponed due to positive COVID cases within the company. At this time, all other performances, Wednesday — Sunday, will play as scheduled. We apologize for the disappointment and inconvenience this scheduling change has caused Tuesday night ticket holders. Please hold onto your tickets while we work to rescheduled the show. Details will be sent to affected ticket holders by email as soon as they’re available.
It will take 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show to bring Broadway theater back to Grand Rapids.
“After two long years, we are excited to finally be back in the theater and have the inspiring support of so many in the community,” said Mike Lloyd, interim executive director at Broadway Grand Rapids.
“We expect 15,000 people to attend ‘Hairspray’ this week. What a perfect show to open the season, heartwarming and fun.”
“Hairspray” opens Tuesday (Jan. 11) at DeVos Performance Hall for eight performances over six days to kick off the 2021-2022 season at Broadway Grand Rapids.
In addition, Broadway Grand Rapids has announced $30 Student/Educator Rush tickets for all performances of “Hairspray.” A valid school ID is required, and the limit is two tickets per student/educator. All tickets are subject to availability. Tickets may be purchased in-person one hour prior to the performance at the DeVos Performance Hall Box Office at 303 Monroe Ave NW.
Health and Safety protocols, including proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test as well as mandatory masks, will be in effect.
For more details on health and safety, visit BroadwayGrandRapids.com/health. For more information on all shows, visit BroadwayGrandRapids.com.
Set in 1960s Baltimore, “Hairspray” centers on Tracy Turnblad, a girl with big dreams – and even bigger hair – who wants to change the world.
The reviews have been stellar. The New York Times said: “‘Hairspray’ is fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!”
The “Hairspray” cast is led by Andrew Levitt aka Nina West (from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”) as Edna Turnblad, Niki Metcalf as Tracy Turnblad and Toneisha Harris (from NBC’s “The Voice”) as Motormouth Maybelle and features the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the 60’s,” “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” according to the company’s website.
This all-new touring production reunites Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by director Jack O’Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell.
“It’s a brand-new world we find ourselves in today, and ‘Hairspray’ is meeting this challenge full-on with even more joy and purpose. Our fable of ‘The Little Dancing Engine That Could’ is even more relevant than twenty years ago when it first burst onto the scene,” said O’Brien in a release.
“With the renewed, refreshed energy of the unforgettable Nina West as Edna and 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! Come feel great and grateful once more!” he added.
Choreographer Jerry Mitchell said: “‘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!’”
