520 Etc.: Big fat hair
Hairspray, the kitschy, catchy, Tony Award-winning musical based on the 1988 John Waters film blows into Knoxville's Civic Auditorium this weekend thanks to Broadway in Knoxville.
Set in the less-than-groovy (and more-than-made up) early 1960s, Hairspray tells the story of the loveable Tracy Turnblad. She's a big, bouncy and unconventional teenager who wins a coveted spot on a local TV dance show. While on the set, her unique dance moves are spotted by some show-biz folks and Tracy is instantly catapulted into the exciting life of a teen celebrity.
It's a big show with big songs written by Marc Shaiman - who co-wrote the music and lyrics for the animated South Park movie, Bigger, Longer & Uncut. Not to be upstaged by the larger-than-life song & dance numbers, is the gargantuan hair. In Knoxville, that means both onstage and off...
To celebrate the show's stop in our area, Broadway in Knoxville partnered with Salon Visage on Market Square this week in a challenge to create the biggest hair imaginable. So, early on Tuesday morning bangs were teased, ribbons were cut and super firm hold hairspray was unleashed on the three finalists: Cami Keiser, Erika Wolf & Lauren Pigott. The skillful and ultra-creative stylists Josie Rocco, Jared Hollyfield and Adrienne Hamlett worked for over 2 hours to sculpt the contestants' hair into designs befitting the pages of a Dr. Seuss book.
The result? Get a load of this:
I cannot comb it in a box. I cannot comb it with a fox.
You can choose the best of the biggest hair in Knoxville - just follow this link and cast your vote. The winning stylist and stylee will each receive $100 in cash, prizes from B97.5 and WBIR, 2 tickets to the opening night show and the after-party with the cast, as well as a pre-performance dinner for two at Club LeConte.
Once you've voted for your favorite 'do, be sure to arrange for your own tickets online for this weekend's production of Hairspray. You can also reserve seats over the phone by calling (865)656-4444. The show runs April 13 - 15 and still has a few seats available. We'd recommend the balcony, so you don't have to look over anyone's hair!
Hmmm...we wonder if the Mayor cast his vote?