Amherst welcomes the 1960s themed musical "Hairspray" this January

It's 1962, and pleasantly plump Baltimore teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire - to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star, but she must use her newfound power to vanquish the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a TV network - all without denting her 'do! Be sure not to miss Hairspray. Hairspray, Broadway's musical comedy phenomenon that inspired a major motion picture is coming to Amherst. Fans will once again be swept away to 1960s Baltimore in this international smash-hit musical, piled bouffant-high with laughter and romance and enough deliriously tuneful songs to fill a nonstop platter party. It's Hairspray, live on stage, in living color! This fantastically fun musical, winner of eight 2003 Tony Awards including Best Musical, is currently enjoying its 5th year on Broadway. The 2007 West End production of Hairspray was nominated for a record-breaking 11 Olivier Awards and nabbed four, including the top category Best New Musical, and also won Best New Musical in all of Britain's other top awards programs, including the Evening Standard, Critic's Circle, and Whatsonstage Awards. 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 (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. For ticket information, visit www.broadwayinamherst.com. About Broadway Across America Broadway Across America: Owned and operated by British theatre producer John Gore (CEO) and led by Thomas B. McGrath (Chairman), Broadway Across America presents first-class touring Broadway musicals and plays, family productions and other live events throughout a network of 43 North American cities. Broadway Across America is also dedicated to the development and production of new and diverse live theatre for productions on Broadway, across America and throughout the world. Current productions include Tony Award-winners "Boeing Boeing" and "Spamalot", as well as "The Backyardigans." Upcoming productions include "13", "West Side Story", "Dora the Explorer" and the Broadway premiere of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas" opening this 2008 holiday season. For more information, or to purchase tickets through an authorized agent, please visit the web site at: www.BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com.