6 December 2009 : Germany premiere of the Broadway-Hits HAIRSPRAY
in Cologne Musical Dome
Main role with sensational stars
Uwe Ochsenknecht as mother Edna
Maite Kelly lives the Teenage-dream of Tracy Turnblad

On 6. December the outstanding Musical hit HAIRSPRAY celebrates its premiere in the Musical Dome Cologne. The musical remains seven years on the Broadway scenes. In London West End the curtain falls for the constantly sold out, incredible show since two years yet. Millions have celebrated the prize-winning musical in the theatre and took it in their hearts. As movie HAIRSPRAY fascinated an international public. Now finally HAIRSPRAY will come to Germany as a first class production, which doesn’t have to envy the shows in London or New York. The show does not only deliver 31 unbelievable awards, like numerous Tonys and a Grammy for the best musical. Also the creative team of the Broadway original production is on board to realize HAIRSPRAY in Cologne, authentic and absolutely true to original. The producers scored a outranging effect for the cast with Uwe Ochsenknecht and Maite Kelly in the leading roles.

Sensational is the commitment of Uwe Ochsenknecht for the role as Edna Turnblad, a warm hearted and burly washerwoman. As the burlesque mother of Tracy Turnblad, the teenage protagonist of HAIRSPRAY, Uwe Ochsenknecht can unfold his skills as actor, singer and comedian. Since 1981, when he disclosed his brake through in “The Boat” (Golden Globe for the best international movie) Uwe is one of the most popular actors of Germany. Since the beginnings of the 90s he regularly performs with his band and has already released five albums.

With the key role Edna Turnblad, Ochsenknecht gets in line with past famous performances. In Broadway the Hollywood actor Harvey Fierstein played this part, who won a Tony Award. In London West End it was Michael Ball, one of the most popular actors and singers in Great Britain, who won the Oliver Award the British counterpart of the American Tony. Hollywood Star John Travolta interpreted Edna in the cine movie of HAIRSPRAY.

With HAIRSPRAY Ochsenknecht finally has the opportunity to enjoy his love for the musical to the fullest. “I’ve seen many musicals. Hairspray I visit in London and it is the first musical I enjoyed from the first minute to the end. The story, the music the dancing scenes were jazzy, colorful and joyful. Vocals, dance and play fit exactly. And at the end the crowd leaves the theatre with a smile on their faces. That’s it. What do you want more?” After asking him about his preparation for the female role he grins: “Preparation? Finally I can live out this side of me – and not only at night.”

The key role of Tracy Turnblad, a funky, chubby teenage girl with her heart at the right place, has found its ideal cast with Maite Kelly. She herself has co-founded the rise and theimmense popularity of the Kelly Family as a teenager before starting her solo career in 2007. Now she stirs up the stuffy everyday life of the 60s in Baltimore with a lot of spirit in the hips and even more Rock’n’ Roll in the legs conquering the hearts of its citizens and more. „With my role in Hairspray a dream comes true. I’m completely overwhelmed,” she confesses. “At the wig sample I had to speak to myself all the time, that I really have the role. Tracy Turnblad has the courage to follow her heart and that’s why you can’t get enough of her.” Maite Kelly intensively practiced for the casting. “ For weeks only the Hairspray soundtrack was played at home. My two kids sang and danced with me. I knew I only get the role, if I’m really in it.

As Edna Turnblad besides Uwe Ochsenknecht you can experience alternately Tetje Mierendorf. As an artist of improvisation and comedian he counts to one of the best in Germany.

HAIRSPRAY, from 6. December in the Musical Dome Cologne
YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT

Tickets for HAIRSPRAY in Cologne at the price of 26,- to 96,-€ (plus charges)
available at Ticket hotline of the Musical Dome 0180 – 51 52 53 0
and in the internet at www.hairspray.de and at all booking offices.

Further information and texts and current pictures in 300 dpi (jpeg) you can find at www.hairspray.de Please register in the area B2B & Presse” and you will have access to all texts and pictures.