Ginger Minj to Make Debut in Iconic Musical of Hairspray
Drag legend Ginger Minj has announced her Broadway Sacramento debut as Edna Turnblad in Hairspray!
HAIRSPRAY, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical comedy phenomenon, follows 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show. Can a big girl with big dreams (and even bigger hair) change the world? Featuring the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the ‘60s,” “Good Morning Baltimore,” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” HAIRSPRAY is “deliriously tuneful!” (The New York Times).
“To finally play Edna Turnblad is truly a dream come true,” says Ginger Minj. “She is one of musical theater’s most beloved characters because she reminds us that love, family, and believing in one another can change the world.
“At a moment when people need joy more than ever, I can’t think of a better story to tell. I’m deeply honored to stand on the shoulders of Divine, John Waters, Harvey Fierstein, and all of the extraordinary artists who created this enduring celebration of acceptance, laughter, and the courage to be unapologetically yourself.”
Hairspray is an iconic musical for the LGBTQ+ community because it champions the ethos that being authentic and different is a superpower. By intertwining body positivity, drag performance traditions, and the fight for civil rights, the show uses the marginalized experience as a powerful metaphor for queer liberation.
Not to mention, the narrative concept is entirely the brainchild of openly gay filmmaker John Waters from his 1988 cult classic film of the same name. The lead role of Tracy Turnblad was inspired by Waters’ teenage experiences of being an outcast, while the iconic matriarch Edna Turnblad was originated by the legendary drag queen Divine.
Broadway Sacramento is California’s largest non-profit musical theatre producing organization. Since the inception of Broadway At Music Circus in 1951 under an open-air, circus-style big top, Broadway Sacramento has grown to become the most successful nonprofit performing arts organization in Northern California. Between Broadway At Music Circus and Broadway On Tour, Broadway Sacramento entertains over 250,000 patrons every year.
A Broadway At Music Circus production, performances take place August 21-30 only at the UC Davis Health Pavilion. Tickets are available here.
Make a Trip of It
The best hotels near Broadway Sacramento range from highly-rated riverside luxury to accessible, modern boutique options in the heart of Midtown and Downtown. Top options include:
The Westin Sacramento Hotel & Marina: Located on the Sacramento River at 4800 Riverside Blvd, this luxury 4-star hotel is about a 5- to 10-minute drive south of Broadway. It features a heated outdoor pool, on-site dining at Scott’s Seafood on the River, and the Spa LaLe.
The Fort Sutter Hotel Sacramento: Situated at 1308 28th St, this stylish Tapestry Collection by Hilton hotel sits in Midtown, just a 5-minute drive from the Broadway area. It features cozy, modern rooms, a farm-to-table cafe, and a popular cocktail lounge.
Hyatt Regency Sacramento: Located at 1209 L St, this elegant 4-star hotel is roughly a mile from the Broadway corridor. It is known for its posh dining, outdoor pool, full-service spa, and high walkability to downtown attractions.
Vizcaya: If you prefer a unique, historic bed-and-breakfast vibe, consider this 1899 mansion at 2019 21st St. It is located right in the Broadway/Midtown vicinity and features antiques-filled rooms and a beautiful courtyard.
Search for prices and reviews and make a booking here.
