‘Hairspray’ Comes into Benedum for PNC Broadway Run (Tues., 1/3/23)

“You Can’t Stop The Beat” is a jumpin’ number from ‘Hairspray.’ Niki Metcalf is Tracy Turnblad and company in the PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh production. (Photo: Jeremy Daniel.)

HAIRSPRAY (musical) by Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Mark O’Donnell, and Thomas Meehan, from the John Waters film. Touring company at The Benedum. January 3 – 8. 

If all theater were Tony-Award-winning musical theater, every show would sell out. Of course it’s not that way, which gives us much more to choose from and assures that Shakespeare won’t turn over in his grave. But the blockbuster musical tradition continues here in Pittsburgh, with the new touring production of Hairspray visiting Benedum Center to kick off the new year. Nearly every seat in the show’s six-day, eight-performance run is sold out, so act fast to grab a single or try an aftermarket source for tickets. And if you are not familiar with Hairspray? You’ve been watching too much Samuel Beckett. The musical demonstrates that a teenager in 1960s Baltimore does not need to wait for Godot; she can draw upon her spunk and style to star in a local TV dance-party show and advance the cause of integration. Hairspray, adapted from John Waters’ film of the same title, is loaded with retro-rock rhythms and zany confrontations. It won the 2003 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score. Benedum Center. 7:30 p.m. 237 7th St., Cultural District. (M.V.)

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