Hairspray Manila hits the stage this Nov. 14-Dec. 7

Atlantis Productions’ highly-anticipated production of the Tony award-winning musical Hairspray has found its two lead stars, Tim Espinosa and Madel Ching who will play the highly-coveted roles of Link Larkin and Tracy Turnblad.

Like most Tracy Turnblads before her, Madel Ching will be making her professional stage debut in Hairspray. She is a junior at Ateneo de Manila majoring in AB Political Science. Having performed in school productions including High School Musical. Madel is thrilled to take on her first major role.

Tim Espinosa takes on the role of heartthrob Link Larkin, made famous in the film by Zach Efron. Tim has been seen on ABS-CBN as a singer, dancer and actor and will also be making his professional stage debut. 

Also part of the the cast is award winning film/television/stage actor Michael de Mesa. For the first time in his illustrious career, Michael will be playing a woman on stage as he takes on the role of Edna Turnblad, made famous in the original film by Divine, on Broadway by Harvey Fierstein and in the recent movie musical by John Travolta. Michael has been seen in numerous Atlantis show’s such as RENT, PROOF TICK,TICK…BOOM!, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and, most recently, in DOGEATERS.

Multi-awarded singer Dulce plays Motor Mouth Maybelle, a role that Queen Latifah made famous in the movie musical version of HAIRSPRAY. She gets to sing the second act power ballad I KNOW WHERE I’VE BEEN. Dulce was last seen on stage in the musical HIMALA, and marks her 30th year in showbiz with her performance in HAIRSPRAY. 

Actor/Director Leo Rialp plays Wilbur Turnblad, Edna’s loving and devoted husband. Leo continues to juggle directing with performing and last appeared with Atlantis in DOGEATERS and most recently appeared on stage in THE GOLDEN CHILD.

Musical Theatre sensation and now stage director Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo returns to performing as the villainous Velma Von Tussle, played in the film by Michelle Pfeiffer. Menchu has appeared in many shows for Atlantis including PROOF and BABY and recently directed WEST SIDE STORY for STAGES. She continues to be one of the country’s most sought after musical theatre actresses.

Singer/Songwriter Nyoy Volante returns to his theatre roots in HAIRSPRAY where he plays Seaweed J. Stubbs. Nyoy recently released his fifth album entitled HEARTSTRINGS with the hit single BECAUSE. He last appeared on stage alternating with Jett Pangan as James Thunder Early in Atlantis’ DREAMGIRLS.

Also joining the cast are comedian Gabe Mercado who will be playing numerous roles as The Male Authority Figure, theatre veteran Enchang Kaimo as the Female Authority Figure and Noel Rayos, who returns from Hong Kong Disneyland to play Corny Collins.

HAIRSPRAY is about Tracy who wins a spot on the local TV dance program The Corny Collins Show. The big girl with big hair and big dreams becomes a teen celebrity overnight. Soon Tracy finds herself pitted against the show’s reigning princess for the title Miss Teenage Hairspray 1962.

Based on the John Waters film, HAIRSPRAY is the winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical. The play is directed by Bobby Garcia, choreography by Cecile Martinez, sets and costumes by Gino Gonzales, lighting design byShoko Matsumoto and Musical Director Archie Castillo conducts FILharmoniKA. It runs from Nov. 14 to Dec. 7 at the Star Theatre, CCP Complex.

Tickets are on sale now by calling Atlantis Productions at 892-7078, 840-1187 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.