'Hairspray' set to bow out on Broadway

NEW YORK, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- The run of a Broadway production of the musical "Hairspray" is approaching its end at New York's Neil Simon Theater, production heads say.

The head of the production informed cast members last week that the Tony Award-winning musical would end Jan. 18, Variety reported Friday.

While the closing has yet to be finalized, Variety said original "Hairspray" star Harvey Fierstein is expected to take part in an encore performance of the musical.

Fierstein's appearance in the role of Edna Turnblad could take place sometime in November, Variety said.

Since debuting on Broadway in 2002, "Hairspray" performances have grossed nearly $245 million.

While similar stage productions of John Waters' 1988 movie of the same name are doing well in London, U.S. ticket sales have been fluctuating dramatically and a Las Vegas production was deemed a commercial disappointment, Variety said.