Source: Thomas Jackson, 785-532-2354, tjackson@k-state.edu
Web site: http://www.k-state.edu/mccain/
News release prepared by: Nellie Ryan, 785-532-6415, media@k-state.edu

Thursday, March 5, 2009

HIT MUSICAL 'HAIRSPRAY' COMING TO K-STATE'S MCCAIN AUDITORIUM

MANHATTAN -- The hit musical "Hairspray" will be presented at Kansas State University's McCain Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, as part of the McCain Performance Series.

The public is invited to attend the McCain Conversations prior to the performance, at 6:30 p.m. in 204 McCain Auditorium. The free lecture is designed to inform, educate and engage audience members, and to enhance their enjoyment of the performance.

"Hairspray" is set in 1962. Teenager Tracy Turnblad seeks to dance her way onto TV's most popular dance show, "The Corny Collins Show." She is transformed overnight from an outsider to an irrepressible teen celebrity -- but she still must tangle with the program's reigning princess. The musical takes the audience on a journey to see if a big girl with big dreams and big hair can change the world and still find time to win the heart of the boy she loves.

"Hairspray" is the winner of eight Tony Awards, including best musical. The film version, by New Line Cinema, was written and directed by John Waters. The book was written by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan. The music and lyrics are by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. "Hairspray" is directed by Jack O'Brien and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell.

Tickets for "Hairspray" are on sale now. Prices start at $17.50 for K-State students and children 18 and under. General public tickets start at $35. Discounts for K-State faculty, seniors and military also are available. Tickets can be purchased at the McCain Auditorium box office, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, or by calling 785-532-6428. More information is available online at http://www.k-state.edu/mccain/

The "Hairspray" performance at K-State is sponsored by Commerce Bank.