Marissa Perry: Hairspray Notable On Saying Good-Bye

By Christopher Moore, Broadway Magazine

The Carnegie Hall's Notables program and The New Yorker Magazine brought together some of the leading figures in Broadway for a panel discussion and a party at the Russian Tea Room. The event was called REVIVAL: Broadway's Next Act, and if one considers the evening as a Constitutional Convention on the future of Broadway, the founding fathers of the night would be include such notables as Adam Shankman, who was a leading figure in bringing Hairspray from success on Broadway to success on the big screen. Also on hand for the panel and party was Marissa Perry, who is winning hearts and minds as Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray on Broadway. Marissa took a few candid moments to talk with Broadway Magazine and Broadway.tv about the show, the recent closing announcement, and the future.

"She's the best. The best role on Broadway. I'm very happy where I'm at," Marissa tells our team about playing Tracy. In considering the why the show has been such a Broadway hit, Marissa is direct. "It revolves around a regular family with regular issues. Although it takes place in 1962, the politics ring true of our time today. It's a beautiful story. There's a lot of cotton candy and glitter, but deep down there's a real story down there that people can relate to."

Recently, it was announced that Hairspray would close in January. The announcement caught audiences and fans by surprise. Marissa told us her reaction: "It was a shock...devastating," she said. However, she has a winning spirit and determination that would make Tracy Turnblad proud, "... one door closes and another door opens. I'm hoping that Hairspray will be a big old launching pad for my career," Marissa remarks.

Looking ahead, Marissa has a secret role that she'd love to play on Broadway and one we'd love to see. "I would love for them to write 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding," says Marissa, " I would love to play Toula. That's a blockbuster waiting to happen. I'd love to originate a role, something brand new." With her agent by her side and an endearing smile, you can't beat Marissa Perry. Hairspray is still playing on Broadway through January.