This spring, Broadway musical lovers in Portland, Oregon can look forward to an amazing season! The Tony Award-winning musical Hairspray is set to grace the Keller Auditorium from March 28 to April 2, 2023! These eight performances held at Portland’s prime entertainment destination will be supported by a stellar cast and produced by an award-winning creative team! Enjoy the heartwarming story of Tracy Turnblad as she chases her dreams against all odds! The musical, based on the book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, boasts a 60’s style score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Hairspray’s high-energy performances will surely get you tapping your toes to the beat! If only you could stand up and dance! Nevertheless, this is your chance to see the amazing Hairspray at the Keller Auditorium! So hurry and grab your tickets now!
“This all-new touring production reunites Broadway’s award-winning creative team. Don’t miss this exhilaratingly funny and warm-hearted musical comedy.” – The New Yorker.
“It becomes unstoppably joyous. This works better for its uplifting message on female self-worth, but the upbeat mood on racial unity strikes a more dissonant note.” – The Guardian.
“This is a major Broadway musical with all the bells and whistles. It looks great with colorful costumes, bright lights; it sings wonderfully, is richly funny, and dances up a storm.” – Chicago Critic.
Hairspray’s story is led by protagonist Tracy Turnblad. She is a happy, chubby high school student in Baltimore who loves to dance. Tracy and her best friend Penny rush home after school to catch their favorite TV program, the Corny Collins Show. To the girls’ delight, the show announced that it would be holding a nationwide audition because one of the council members had taken a leave of absence for nine months. Tracy and Penny become ecstatic and immediately make their next plan, much to their mothers’ dismay. Tracy’s mother doesn’t want her to be teased due to her weight. Meanwhile, Penny’s mom complains that the show plays “race music.” After some relentless begging for her parents’ approval, Tracy finally received support from her father. She goes to the audition, hopeful of being the next council member. Unfortunately, she encounters a horrible racist producer who turns Tracy down because of her weight. Will Tracy ever meet her idol, Corny Collins? Will she find a way to fulfill her dreams? You will know the answer when you come and see Hairspray at the Keller Auditorium this March 28 to April 2, 2023!
Hairspray was met with wide critical acclaim. Professional critics like Alan Bresloff from Around Town Chicago raved about the show in his review. “WOW! This is by far the best word to start off my description of the sparkling, perfectly cast production of ‘Hairspray,’ the Broadway Musical.” Meanwhile, Ellion Lanes from BroadwayWorld highly recommends everyone to see the Tony Award-winning musical. “There is some incredible talent, and the show as a whole delivers a great message in between all the fun music.”
Hairspray is “fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!” – The New York Times.
“I encourage you to see the current tour of Hairspray. There is some incredible talent, and the show as a whole delivers a great message in between all the fun music. “I Can Hear the Bells” and so will you.” – BroadwayWorld.
“WOW! This is by far the best word to start off my description of the sparkling, perfectly cast production of “Hairspray.” – Around Town Chicago.
The Chicago Critic’s Tom Williams added that the show he attended was visually pleasing, “This is a major Broadway musical with all the bells and whistles. It looks great with colorful costumes, bright lights; it sings wonderfully, is richly funny, and dances up a storm.” Lastly, The New York Times gave nothing but good words for the latest production of Hairspray. “This all-new touring production reunites Broadway’s award-winning creative team. Don’t miss this exhilarating, funny, and warm-hearted musical comedy.
After Hairpsray’s original Broadway production opened in New York, the musical dominated the 2003 Tony Awards. Hairspray brought home eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Book of a Musical. At the Drama Desk Awards, Hairspray won a whopping ten awards. Several years later, the musical opened in London’s West End, resulting in four Laurence Olivier Awards in 2008.
This spring of 2023, Hairspray will conquer Keller Auditorium from March 28 to April 2, 2023. The production will be led by critically-acclaimed director Matt Lenz and esteemed choreographer Jerry Mitchell. Guests who will come to see this incredible musical at Keller Auditorium are guaranteed to have a fantastic experience. The venue is equipped with top-tier facilities and 3,000 plush seats – all with an excellent view of the stage. Since 1917, the historic venue has hosted some of the most exciting events in Portland. This spring, it adds another major Broadway show to its long list of notable events. Catch Hairspray at Keller Auditorium by securing your tickets now!
