'Hairspray' holds well in London

Musical recoups costs in 28 weeks

By GORDON COX

Leanne Jones and Michael Ball won Olivier Awards for their starring roles in the West End production of 'Hairspray.'

The West End incarnation of legit tuner “Hairspray” has recouped its £3.5 million ($6.85 million) capitalization costs in 29 weeks, according to the show’s producers.

London staging of the 2002 Broadway hit, which opened in October at the Shaftesbury Theater, has proved a success across the Pond. Good press and strong sales were capped with four Olivier Awards earlier this year, including the top musical prize.

Based on the 1988 John Waters pic, show follows a zaftig 1960s teen named Tracy (Olivier winner Leanne Jones) whose crusade to appear on a TV dance show turns into a fight for racial integration. Michael Ball, who also scored an Olivier, plays Tracy’s mother Edna, a role originated on Broadway by Harvey Fierstein.

Tuner, which won eight 2003 Tonys, is produced on the West End by Euro producing org Stage Entertainment along with original Rialto producers Margo Lion, the Baruch/Viertel/Routh/Frankel Group and New Line Cinema, among others.