Hairspray: Michele Pawk joins cast as Velma Von Tussel. Musical now booking through to 30 Mar 2008

Michele Pawk joins the cast of the Broadway musical Hairspray on 21 Aug 2007, playing the role of Velma Von Tussle. She assumes the role from Brynn O'Malley.

Michele Pawk received a Tony Award for best featured actress in a play for Hollywood Arms. Her other Broadway credits include Losing Louie, Mamma Mia!, Chicago, Seussical, Cabaret, Triumph of Love, Crazy For You, and Mail.

Hairspray opened at the Neil Simon Theatre on the 15 Aug 2002, following previews from the 18 Jul. The musical has recently extended its booking period, and is now selling tickets through to 30 Mar 2008.

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 also features: Paul C. Vogt (Edna Turnblad), Shannon Durig (Tracy Turnblad), Jerry Mathers (Wilbur Turnblad), Alexa Vega (Penny Pingleton), Ashley Parker Angel (Link Larkin), Lance Bass, Corny Collins, Darlene Love (Motormouth Maybelle), Tevin Campbell (Seaweed J. Stubbs), Haylie Duff (Amber Von Tussle), Susan Mosher (Prudy Pingleton/Gym Teacher/Matron), Kevin Meaney (Harriman F. Spritzer, Mr. Pinky, and others) and Naturi Naughton (Inez).

The musical comedy 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 celebrated its fifth anniversary on Broadway on 15 Aug 2007, is the winner of eight 2003 Tony Awards, including best musical, best actor, best actress, best featured actor, best score, best book, best director, and best costume design. Hairspray 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.