TONY AWARD-WINNING “HAIRSPRAY” BRINGS BIG HAIR, BIG MUSIC, AND BROADWAY FUN TO FORT LAUDERDALE!
Published: Mar 23, 2026
Ready to dance, laugh, and cheer? Slow Burn Theatre Company brings the ultimate feel-good musical to Fort Lauderdale this April with Hairspray, the eight-time Tony® Award-winning smash hit, running Saturday, April 11 through Sunday, April 26 in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Part of MD Now® Slow Burn Theatre Company’s 2025/2026 season presented by United Community Bank, with additional support from Funding Arts Broward and the Broward Cultural Division, this production promises high-energy entertainment for all ages.
Set in 1962 Baltimore, Hairspray follows the unstoppable Tracy Turnblad, a vibrant teen with one goal: to dance on the city’s hottest TV show, the “Corny Collins Show.” When she lands a spot, Tracy uses her newfound fame to challenge the status quo, shake up the social scene, and champion inclusion, all while keeping her iconic bouffant hairdo perfectly in place. Along the way, Tracy wins the heart of handsome Link Larkin and proves that standing up for what’s right can be as thrilling as hitting the dance floor.
With a witty and heartfelt book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, Hairspray is based on John Waters’ beloved New Line Cinema film. Slow Burn Theatre Company’s Co-Founder Patrick Fitzwater directs, infusing the production with energy, humor, and a message that resonates far beyond the stage.
"Hairspray is a joyous celebration of courage, community, and unapologetic self-expression. Audiences won’t just watch it, they’ll feel it in their bones," says Patrick Fitzwater, Slow Burn Theatre Company Co-Founder and Director.
Starring Jennifer Massey* as Tracy Turnblad and Eric Swanson (also known as Miss Bouvèé) as Edna Turnblad, the cast also features Toddra Brunson* as Motormouth Maybelle, Gail Bennett* as Velma Von Tussle, Matthew Korinko* as Wilbur Turnblad, and Chris Stevens* as Corny Collins, alongside MaryAnn Traxler as Amber Von Tussle, Scott Silagy as Link Larkin, Logan Green as Seaweed Stubbs, and Saraï Gerard as Little Inez.
The ensemble includes Michael Materdomini, Colleen Pagano, Aaron Hagos, Izaiah Scott, Jawan Hayes, Jack Rodman, Aaron Atkinson, Eli Flynn, Paul Tuaty, Cat Pagano, Kristi Rose Mills, Daniella Coby, Abby Alder, Ashley Valent, Nayomi Braaf, Lillie Eliza Thomas, and Mikayla Queeley, who together bring the vibrant world of 1960s Baltimore and the energy of the Corny Collins Show to life.
Production also features associate direction and original choreography by Trent Soyster, music direction by Paul Tine, scenic design by Nikolas Serrano, and lighting design by Eric Norbury, with costume coordination by Rick Peña. Original Costume Design by William Ivy Long and Original Wig Design by Paul Huntley, with costumes and wigs rented from Dylan A. Blussick. Stage management is led by Production Stage Manager Wilhelm Peters, joined by Assistant Stage Manager Jolie Rubinchik, with technical direction by Tim Dickey.
An open caption performance will take place on Sunday, April 19 at 2:00 PM, where spoken dialogue scrolls across a digital screen as the action unfolds, ensuring accessibility for all audience members.
Performance times vary. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Tickets are available online at BrowardCenter.org or Ticketmaster.com; by phone at 954.462.0222; or in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. Student & Teacher Rush tickets are available at the box office with valid ID, limit two per student ID, subject to availability.
The MD Now® Slow Burn Theatre Company’s 2025/2026 season is proudly presented by United Community Bank, with additional major support from the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council of Greater Fort Lauderdale, and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. Following Hairspray, the season continues with Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill (June 13–28).
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW Fifth Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit BrowardCenter.org, like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BrowardCenter and Facebook.com/BrowardCenterEducation, follow us on Twitter and Instagram @BrowardCenter, subscribe at YouTube.com/user/BrowardCenter, and join the conversation with #BrowardCenter.
The Broward Center 2025/2026 season is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Spirit, and Nicklaus Children’s Health System.
*Member of the Actors' Equity Association (AEA).
About The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
One of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 850 performances each year to more than 600,000 patrons, displaying a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. Guest experiences at the Broward Center include the all-inclusive Spirit Club Level, the Nicklaus Children’s Health System Intermezzo Lounge, special events in the Huizenga Pavilion, and innovative classes and workshops for all ages at the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center also manages The Parker, an iconic Fort Lauderdale venue, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center on the campus of Nova Southeastern University and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in Miami-Dade County. The Broward Performing Arts Foundation, Inc. receives and maintains funds to sustain, develop and secure the future of the Broward Center. The Broward Center is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more information, visit BrowardCenter.org.
About Slow Burn Theatre Company
Founded in 2009 by Patrick Fitzwater and Matthew Korinko, Slow Burn Theatre Company is one of South Florida’s leading professional musical theater organizations, celebrated for its bold productions and fearless creativity. With a mission to bring high-quality, thought-provoking, and entertaining performances to life, Slow Burn has earned a reputation for pushing boundaries and delivering dynamic interpretations of beloved musicals alongside lesser-known gems. Based at the Broward Center for the
Performing Arts, Slow Burn Theatre Company offers an extraordinary theatrical experience that combines impeccable artistry and an unparalleled commitment to storytelling. The company has grown exponentially over its history, evolving from an ambitious grassroots effort to a cornerstone of South Florida’s cultural scene, thanks to the dedication of its founders, talented artists, and loyal supporters.
Now in its 16th season, Slow Burn Theatre Company celebrates a legacy of innovation, resilience, and community connection. From intimate stages to grand productions, Slow Burn continues to inspire audiences with its passion for the arts and commitment to making theater accessible to all. For more information, visit Slow Burn Theatre Company’s website at http://slowburntheatre.org/.
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