Hairspray: Blake Hammond is the new Edna Turnblad

Blake Hammond assumes the role of Edna Turnblad from John Pinette in Hairspray from 30 May 2006. Blake Hammond has had plenty of time to prepare for the role, having previously been John Pinette's understudy.

Blake Hammond's made his Broadway debut in 'On the Town' (1998), other Broadway credits include 'Kiss Me, Kate' and 'The Music Man'. He has also been in the national tours of 'Hairspray', 'The Lion King', 'Jesus Christ Superstar' and 'Joseph...'

Hairspray opened at the Neil Simon Theatre on the 15 Aug 2002, following previews from the 18 Jul. The show is currently booking to the 30 Sep 2006.

In Hairspray 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 programme, '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?

Hairspray cast also features Shannon Durig (Tracy Turnblad), Stephen DeRosa (Wilbur Turnblad), Caissie Levy (Penny Pingleton), Andrew Rannells (Link Larkin), Darlene Love (Motormouth Maybelle), Jonathan Dokuchitz (Corny Collins), Tevin Campbell (Seaweed J. Stubbs), Becky Gulsvig (Amber Von Tussle), Leah Hocking (Velma Von Tussle), Julie Halston (Prudy Pingleton/Gym Teacher/Matron), Kevin Meaney (Harriman F. Spritzer, Mr. Pinky, and others) and Naturi Naughton (Inez).

Hairspray is based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, who serves as a creative consultant on the musical comedy. It features a book by Mark O�Donnell and Thomas Meehan, and a score by five-time Academy Award nominee Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Hairspray is directed by Jack O�Brien and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell; scenic design is by David Rockwell; costume design is by William Ivey Long; lighting design is by Kenneth Posner; and sound design is by Steve C. Kennedy.

Hairspray which celebrates its fourth anniversary on Broadway in August 2006, is the winner of eight 2003 Tony Awards. The musical also swept every one of the year�s best musical awards, winning, in addition to the Tony, the New York Drama Critics Circle Award, the Drama Desk Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award, and the Drama League Award.

Hairspray is produced by Margo Lion; Adam Epstein; The Baruch, Viertel, Routh & Frankel Group; James D. Stern/Douglas L. Meyer; Rick Steiner/Frederic H. Mayerson; SEL & GFO; New Line Cinema, in association with Clear Channel Entertainment; A. Gordon/E. McAllister; D. Harris/M. Swinsky; J. & B. Osher.