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'Hairspray' canceled for 2nd night in Denver after sprinkler system mishap

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts canceled performances of "Hairspray" on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Buell Theatre.

DENVER — The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) canceled a second performance of "Hairspray" on Wednesday at the Buell Theatre after a mishap with the sprinkler system.

A crew was setting up the theater for the show when someone bumped into a piece of equipment that set off the sprinklers above the stage. The sprinklers were shut off in a matter of minutes, preventing any major damage, said Brian Kitts, director of marketing and communications for Denver Arts and Venues.

The sets for "Hairspray" weren't on stage and are fine. Some seats in the front row got wet, Kitts said.

DCPA said Tuesday that the opening night performance was canceled and ticketed patrons could either get a refund or exchange their ticket for another show.

On Wednesday, a DCPA spokesperson said that night's performance is also canceled to allow crews to thoroughly test systems to ensure quality performances. They anticipate that performances will resume Thursday.

Tom Mustin got tickets for opening night but didn’t learn the show was canceled until he arrived at the theatre.

“You can’t stop the beat, but apparently you can stop the people walking in to watch the show,” Mustin said. 

Will Ferguson was also supposed to attend the show. He received an automated phone call saying it was canceled. 

“It was definitely a record-scratch moment if you will,” Ferguson said. “Luckily, they were willing to exchange the ticket. This is probably a silver lining as I hope it’ll encourage people to maybe check out other shows here.”

"Hairspray" is scheduled to to play the Buell Theatre in downtown Denver through Sunday.

RELATED: Here are the Broadway hits coming to Denver on tour

Credit: DCPA

On Monday, DPCA announced its 2024-25 Broadway season.

"Back to the Future: The Musical," "The Wiz," "Life of Pi," "Funny Girl," "Some Like It Hot," "Gutenberg! The Musical" and the national tour launch of "Kimberly Akimbo" are among the Broadway hits coming to Colorado over the next 18 months.

DCPA said added attractions to its season schedule include the Colorado returns of "Hamilton," "The Book of Mormon," "Mamma Mia," and "Moulin Rouge! The Musical."

Full DCPA season subscriptions are available at DenverCenter.org. Single tickets will go on sale at a later date.

"We’re thrilled to unveil a lineup of eagerly awaited shows coming to Denver for the 2024/25 season, and it’s imperative that patrons purchase tickets from the official online source – denvercenter.org," said John Ekeberg, DCPA executive director of DCPA Broadway and Cabaret. "Purchasing from third-party sellers or ticket brokers not only risks overpaying but also exposes patrons to counterfeit tickets. Right now, subscriptions are the only tickets available, so it’s important to double-check that you’re at denvercenter.org to steer clear of illegitimate single ticket sales promoted elsewhere."

DCPA Broadway 2024-25 schedule

The Second City: Comedian Rhapsody

  • July 17-Aug. 11, 2024
  • Garner Galleria Theatre

Kimberly Akimbo

  • Sept. 22-Oct. 5, 2024
  • Buell Theatre
  • Tony Award for Best Musical
  • National Tour Launch

Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End

  • Sept. 4-22, 2024
  • Garner Galleria Theatre

Hamilton 

  • Oct. 16-Nov. 24, 2024
  • Buell Theatre

Gutenberg! The Musical!

  • Nov. 2, 2024-May 4, 2025
  • Garner Galleria Theatre

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical 

  • Nov. 29-Dec. 1, 2024
  • Buell Theatre

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis 

  • Dec. 6-8, 2024
  • Buell Theatre

Funny Girl

  • Dec. 10-22, 2024
  • Buell Theatre

Back to the Future: The Musical 

  • Jan. 22-Feb  9, 2025
  • Buell Theatre

Mean Girls

  • Feb. 25-March 2, 2025
  • Buell Theatre

Life of Pi 

  • March 8-30, 2025
  • Buell Theatre

The Wiz

  • April 8-26, 2025
  • Buell Theatre

The Addams Family 

  • May 2-4, 2025
  • Buell Theatre

The Book of Mormon

  • May 6-18, 2025
  • Buell Theatre

& Juliet

  • June 4-15, 2025
  • Buell Theatre

Mamma Mia!

  • June 25-29, 2025
  • Buell Theatre

Some Like it Hot 

  • July 8-20, 2025
  • Buell Theatre

Moulin Rouge! The Musical

  • Aug. 5-10, 2025
  • Buell Theatre    

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