Family Reunion: Marissa Jaret Winokur Rejoins HAIRSPRAY Dec. 9

The producers of the hit Broadway musical Hairspray have announced that Marissa Jaret Winokur will reprise her Tony Award-winning performance as Tracy Turnblad when she rejoins the cast Tuesday, December 9 through the final performance Sunday, January 4, 2009 at Broadway's Neil Simon Theatre. She joins Harvey Fierstein who is currently reprising his Tony-winning performance as the dangerously devoted stage mother Edna Turnblad.

In addition to receiving the 2003 Tony Award for best actress in a musical, Ms. Winokur won the Drama Desk, Outer Critics' Circle, and Theater World awards for Hairspray. Most recently, Winokur was a fan favorite on season six of "Dancing With the Stars," beating out eight contestants and getting eliminated only a week before the finals. Winokur and her partner, professional dancer Tony Dovolani, consistently wowed the judges and audience alike with his entertaining routines and her energy and spunk. Ms. Winokur is known for her portrayal of Janine in American Beauty, where she immortalized the phrase "You are so busted." Other films include Fever Pitch, Scary Movie, Teaching Mrs. Tingle, Never Been Kissed and Beautiful Girl (for ABC Family). On television she has recurred on "Dharma and Greg" and "Moesha" and guest starred on "Jack & Bobby," "Just Shoot Me," "Boston Public," "Felicity," "Get Real" and her very favorite "Curb Your Enthusiasm." She started her career as Jan in the Broadway revival of Grease.

In Hairspray it's 1962-the '50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion-to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, "The Corny Collins Show" and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a plus-size trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do? Only in Hairspray! Welcome to the '60s!

Hairspray, which celebrated its sixth anniversary on Broadway in August 2008, is the winner of eight 2003 Tony Awards, including best musical, best actor, best actress, best featured actor, best score, best book, best director, and best costume design. Hairspray also swept every one of the year's best musical awards, winning, in addition to the Tony, the New York Drama Critics Circle Award, the Drama Desk Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award, and the Drama League Award.

Hairspray will close at the Neil Simon Theatre after the performance on Sunday, January 4, 2009, after having played 2,641 performances and 31 previews. Hairspray is the 19th longest running show in Broadway history and has currently grossed over $265 million during its Broadway run.

For Hairspray ticket information, phone Ticketmaster at 212-307-4100, or for group sales, phone 212-302-7000 or 800-677-1164. Hairspray offers the ShowTrans system for foreign-speaking audience members in the following languages: French, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. Same-day, lottery tickets are sold at the box office for seats in the first row of the orchestra. For more information about Hairspray, please consult the Hairspray website at www.hairsprayonbroadway.com.