The producers of Hairspray, Broadway’s Tony Award®-winning musical comedy phenomenon, have just announced the new cast for the North American tour, helmed by Jack O’Brien and Jerry Mitchell.
During its first touring season (November 12, 2021 to July 3, 2022), the production played 210 performances in 61 cities in 30 states, to nearly 350,000 audience members from coast to coast. Critics cheered the “stellar production” (DC Metro Theater Arts) with “catchy music, bright colors and lively dancing” (Appleton Post Crescent) is “brand new, perfect and more timely than ever” (San Diego Union Tribune). “Andrew Levitt wins hearts as Edna” (San Diego Union Tribune), “Niki Metcalf draws you in with her adorable voice & playfulness” (Out in Jersey) and “Sandie Lee is an extraordinary addition to this cast with her rich and resonant vocals and commanding presence onstage” (BroadwayWorld).
Hairspray will kick off at The Carson Center in Paducah, KY, prior to visiting more than 55 cities in its second touring season, including Los Angeles, Boston, Costa Mesa, Seattle, Milwaukee, Austin, San Antonio, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, Durham, Columbus and more. See all announced touring engagements by clicking here, or by visiting www.hairspraytour.com.
Returning cast members Andrew Levitt aka Nina West (from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”) as Edna Turnblad, Niki Metcalf as Tracy Turnblad, Sandie Lee as Motormouth Maybelle, Billy Dawson as Corny Collins, Ryahn Evers as Amber Von Tussle, Addison Garner as Velma Von Tussle, and Emery Henderson as Penny Pingleton will be joined by new principal cast members Charlie Bryant III as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Ralph Prentice Daniel as Wilbur Turnblad, Brayden Krikke as Link Larkin and Joi D. McCoy as Little Inez.
The ensemble consists of Sydney Archibald, Kelly Barberito, Tommy Betz, Helene Britany, Caroline Eiseman, Melanie Puente Ervin, Craig First, Alex Fullerton, Annie Gagen, Carly Haig, Lauren Johnson, Sabrina Joseph, Greg Kalafatas, Kyle Kavully, Matthew J. Kelly, McLaine Meachem, Faith Northcutt, Nicholas Dion Reese, Sage, Micah Sauvageau, Clint Maddox Thompson, Jade Turner, Mickey White and Emmanuelle Zeesman.
Hairspray is the story of 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960’s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? Featuring the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the 60’s,” “Good Morning Baltimore,” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” Hairspray is “fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!” (The New York Times).
This new touring production reunites Broadway’s award-winning creative team, led by Director Jack O’Brien and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell, to bring Hairspray to a new generation of theater audiences. 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 and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The tour is produced by NETworks Presentations.
ANDREW LEVITT (Edna Turnblad) is thrilled to be part of the cast of Hairspray. He has performed as drag queen Nina West since 2001 and competed on Season 11 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, for which he was named Miss Congeniality. On stage, he starred in the regional premieres of Buyer and Cellar (Alex More) and Peter and the Starcatcher (Betty Bumbrake), and also appeared in Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Ursula) in 2019. Other TV credits: RuPaul’s Celebrity Drag Race, “Dragging the Classics: The Brady Bunch” (Alice, Paramount+), “‘This Is Me’ Pride Celebration Spectacular” (Disney+), “The Blue’s Clues Pride Parade Singalong” and “The Meaning of Pride” (Nickelodeon). He provided the voice for the animated short Coaster. Andrew has released music EP’s “Drag Is Magic,” “The West Christmas Ever,” and “John Goodman” as Nina West; all have charted on Billboard’s Top 10 for Children’s Music and Comedy. Throughout his drag career, he has raised over $4 million dollars and started his own foundation, The Nina West Foundation, primarily serving LGBTQIA+ organizations and causes. Thanks to Mom, Dad, PT. For KR. ninawest.com, @ninawest
NIKI METCALF (Tracy Turnblad) is thrilled to be taking on a role she’s dreamed of playing since she first saw the original Broadway production! As a New York based actress from Saugerties, NY, and graduate of Montclair State University with a degree in Musical Theatre, some of her favorite credits include The Little Engine that Could Earns Her Whistle (Little Red, ArtsPower National Tour) and …Spelling Bee (Olive). Beyond grateful to my friends and family for their constant support, and to the team for this incredible opportunity to “eat some breakfast then change the world!” @nikimetcalf
SANDIE LEE (Motormouth Maybelle) is a native of Columbus, MS. She holds a Master’s Degree in Performing Arts, from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). She has appeared in the National tour of The Color Purple (Shug Avery), Norwegian Cruise Line’s After Midnight, opening act for Frankie Beverly and Maze, and American Idol Season 13. She’s also a songwriter. Her music can be found on all major music streaming platforms. Sandie is ecstatic and grateful to hit the road with the cast Hairspray. She gives thanks to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for all her accomplishments and her parents, Carol and Sandy Lee, for their unwavering support. @sandieglee Philippians 4:6-7
CHARLIE BRYANT III (Seaweed J. Stubbs) is a native of Birmingham, Alabama. Charlie is excited to be making his National Tour Debut in the role of Seaweed. The latest credits include Spelling Bee (Mitch), Once on this Island (StoryTeller), and Company (Peter). Charlie gives thanks to all his friends and family for their fantastic support. Social Media: Instagram: @iamcharliebryant Facebook: @Charlie Bryant
RALPH PRENTICE DANIEL (Wilbur Turnblad). National tour debut! International: Universal Beijing Resort (opening cast) Regional: Oliver! (Fagin), Assassins (Guiteau), It Shoulda Been You (Albert), Tuck Everlasting (Man in Yellow), Seussical (Mr. Mayor), Elf the Musical (Walter Hobbs), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – the Musical (Reverend Hopkins), Newsies (Pulitzer), Mary Poppins (George Banks), Footloose (Rev. Shaw), 9 to 5 (Hart). Love to friends, family, Gabe, and The Hell’s Kitchen Agency.
BILLY DAWSON (Corny Collins). National tour debut! International: Universal Studios Japan. Regional: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Quasimodo), The Last Five Years (Jamie), Jekyll & Hyde (Jekyll/Hyde), The Light in the Piazza (Fabrizio), Cabaret (Emcee), The Rocky Horror Show (Dr. Frank-N-Furter). Love and thanks to Mom, CF, Big Mouth Talent, and the Hairspray family. @dawsonbilly, www.billydawson.net
RYAHN EVERS (Amber Von Tussle) is thrilled to bring this bratty blonde to stages across America! Originally from Denver, Ryahn is an alumnus of the University of Northern Colorado. Select regional/collegiate roles include Xanadu (Kira), Chicago (Roxie), First Date (Casey). She is forever grateful to her dad, stepmom, sisters, and her team at Ann Steele Agency for supporting her endlessly. She’d like to thank Stewart/Whitley and the entire team at Hairspray for thinking she is talented and funny. Instagram: @ryahn
ADDISON GARNER (Velma Von Tussle), a southern gal from Alabama, is ecstatic to be joining the national tour of Hairspray. A musical theater graduate from the University of Mobile, favorite credits include Damn Yankees (Lola), Crazy for You (Irene), Singin’ in the Rain (Lina) and RCCL’s Hairspray. Forever grateful for her family, friends, Sharp Studios, and ATB Talent for their endless encouragement, support, and love. Philippians 4:13. @addisongarner
EMERY HENDERSON (Penny Pingleton) waited in line for nine hours to audition for this show. Then, there was a global pandemic. She grew up in Western MA with her mom Gail, her dad Michael, and her siblings, Elliot and Nina.
BRAYDEN KRIKKE (Link Larkin) is incredibly excited to be making his national tour debut! BFA Musical Theatre, Favorite credits: 25th…Spelling Bee (Chip), The Little Mermaid (Prince Eric), The Addams Family (Lucas). Special thanks to friends and family, past and present teachers, Stewart/Whitley, and the Hairspray team. Instagram: @BKrikk3. www.BraydenKrikke.com. SDG
JOI D. McCOY (Little Inez) is a recent graduate of UCLA’s Musical Theatre program. She grew up in Fort Lauderdale, FL, training in ballet, jazz, modern as well as vocal studies. Regional: Bring It On: The Musical (Eva), Spamalot (Patsy), Once on This Island (Little Ti Moune), Mamma Mia! (Ali). Joi is excited to travel the country in her dream role with her dream cast.
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