Theater: 'Hairspray' Goes On Hot

0.cached.png

By Marc Peyser

See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.

The buzz on "Hairspray" is so loud, it's a wonder anyone can hear the orchestra. "Hairspray" is the latest movie turned Broadway musical, this one adapted from the John Waters campy 1988 comedy about a fat girl who triumphs. Although the show doesn't officially open until Aug. 15, it's already the hottest ticket in town. Last week alone, Nicole Kidman, Danny DeVito, Yoko Ono, Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker were in the audience, along with those ordinary folks eager to be in on the Next Big Thing. "The only other show I've had with this kind of response right off the bat is 'Angels in America'," says producer Margo Lion. "It's huge." How huge? "I'm Jewish. I don't want to count my chickens."

In fact, "Hairspray" is being compared to another phenomenon--"The Producers." That makes the "Hairspray" folks nervous. "I love that people think it's going to be a gigantic hit, but there is a downside," says Lion. "I want this to be evaluated on its own terms." Besides, Broadway critics have a habit of squashing shows they think are overhyped. "I hope the reviewers like it. But in the end, the success of a show is determined by the public," says Lion. "People are coming back two or three times--and we've only been running three weeks."

Read More on News