Hairspray goes Pinoy with a powerhouse cast:

Heading the cast is newcomer Madel Ching as Tracy Turnblad. An Ateneo student, Madel was one out of over 300 people who auditioned for a part in the musical.

Joining her are Michael de Mesa as Edna, Dulce as Motormouth Maybelle, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Velma Von Tussle, Nyoy Volante as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Monica Reynoso as Penny, Noel Rayos as Corny Collins, Enchang Kaimo as the Female Authority Figure, Gabe Mercado as the Male Authority Figure and also making their professional theatre debut, Tim Espinosa as Link Larkin and Christine Allado as Amber Von Tussle. Joining them in the ensemble are Jordan Aguilar, Emy Alcid, Caisa Borromeo, Mayen Cad, Erika Cedilla, Red Concepcion, Gerlin Francisco, Bea Garcia, Crienna House, Yanah Laurel, Cheeno Macaraig, Michael Odoemene, Anthony Ong, Mark Tayag, and Lee Villoria.

HAIRSPRAY is directed by Bobby Garcia, Choreography by Cecille Martinez, Musical Direction by Archie Castillo, Production Design by Gino Gonzales, Lighting Design by Shoko Matsumoto and Specialty wigs by The Broadway Wig Co.

Based on the original John Waters film, HAIRSPRAY is the winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical and was also made into a hit movie musical starring John Travolta.

Hairspray is based upon the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, with a book by Mark O`Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

In Hairspray it`s 1962 - the `50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore`s Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion--to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, "The Corny Collins Show" and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program`s reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her `do? Only in Hairspray! Welcome to the `60s!

The musical features an original score by Marc Shaiman (who co-wrote the music and lyrics for the acclaimed animated musical, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut) and Scott Wittman. Their songs take Tracy from the soundstage of a 60`s-style dance show to the streets of Baltimore to a downtown rhythm and blues record shop.

Hairspray has also become one of the most successful and popular movie musicals starring John Travolta, Zach Efron and Michelle Pfeiffer.

- Carlo Soriano