Take a time machine back to the 1960s, poof up your hair and keep the voice ready to sing because ‘Hairspray’ is coming to the Kimmel Cultural Campus as part of the continuing Broadway series in Philadelphia.

The musical ‘Hairspray,’ based on the 1988 John Waters movie, plays the Miller Theater (formerly the Merriam Theater) May 17–May 22.

“We are delighted that Hairspray is returning to Philadelphia with its always-relevant message of inclusivity,” said Matías Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. “As the city’s premier center for multi-disciplinary performing arts and cultural events, we are proud to present a show that reflects our values, as we strive every day to ensure all feel welcome and embraced on the Kimmel Cultural Campus.”

‘Hairspray’ is the story of 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s 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 songs including “Welcome to the 60’s,” “Good Morning Baltimore,” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” ‘Hairspray’ has won eight Tony Awards, including one for Best Musical, out of 13 nominations. It ran for 2,642 performances, and closed on January 4, 2009.

The cast in Philadelphia will be led by Andrew Levitt aka Nina West (from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”) as Edna Turnblad, Niki Metcalf as Tracy Turnblad and Sandie Lee as Motormouth Maybelle. Joining them are Billy Dawson as Corny Collins, Will Savarese as Link Larkin, Emery Henderson as Penny Pingleton, Jamonté D. Bruten as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Kaelee Albritton as Amber Von Tussle and Addison Garner as Velma Von Tussle.

Christopher Swan plays Wilbur Turnblad and Kaléa Leverette plays Little Inez with Caroline Daye Attayek, Kelly Barberito, Helene Britany, Kobe Brown, Tanner Callicutt, Shante Clarke, Nick Cortazzo, Ryahn Evers, Carly Haig, Michael Harmon, Michael Corey Hassel, Kaleb Jenkins, Greg Kalafatas, Gabriel Kearns, Stevie LeWarne, Jr., Nichelle Lewis, Parris Mone’t Lewis, Brendan Morris, Faith Northcutt, Adam Blake Raque, Nadia Ra’Shaun, Micah Sauvageau, Gabriyel Thomas and Emmanuelle Zeesman as members of the ensemble.

“It’s a brand-new world we find ourselves in today, and Hairspray is even more relevant than twenty years ago when it first burst onto the scene. With the renewed, refreshed energy of the unforgettable ‘Nina West’ as Edna and a whole new generation of wildly talented kids across the board, we cannot wait to raise the roofs once more with dance, joy, music, and that glorious, famous, energy-packed score!” said Director Jack O’Brien.

Choreographer Jerry Mitchell added, “Hairspray has always been about all of us dancing together! I am thrilled to welcome this new company of amazing #FULLOUT talents to lead the way as we dance across America with a message of inclusion and hope because ‘You really Can’t Stop the Beat!’.”

HAIRSPRAY

Kimmel Cultural Campus’ Miller Theater (formerly the Merriam Theater), May 17 – 22

Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or online at www.kimmelculturalcampus.org.

In-person ticket sales can be conducted daily from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S. Broad Street. See www.kimmelculturalcampus.org for more information.