Shannon Durig

Broadway credits: Hairspray (Standby for lead role, Tracy Turnblad Recently hired to play Tracy role beginning in July (2005)

Shannon knew long before she began dance and voice lessons just exactly what she wanted to do. As a toddler, rather than watching the television, she danced in front of it. She couldn't wait to take dancing lessons like her older sister. Thus, at age three, Shannon began a journey at Miller-Marley that was to last for 16 years. As a teenager she traveled with the Entertainers to perform at the World's Fair in Seville , Spain and also appeared in many Starlight Theatre productions and numerous entertainment venues in the area. Under Shirley's tutelage Shannon became an accomplished tap dancer who could take on the best of them. At the famous St. Louis tap festival, Shannon was often invited by noted tap artists, including Savigon Glover, to join them onstage.

After graduating from St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Shannon was accepted to study at the prestigious American Musical Dramatic Academy in New York City where she was considered a talent to be reckoned with. She began her professional career in Hilton Head, South Carolina in the show, They're Playing Our Song . Upon returning to New York , Shannon quickly learned that the arduous task of auditioning is often an education in itself. When the casting call for the role of Tracy Turnblad, in the hit musical Hairspray was announced, Shannon knew in her heart that this role was made for her. She endured two days of standing outside in the cold with hundreds of Tracy wannabes, in jam packed lines that wrapped around the block twice, just to get in the door. Her tenacity paid off. After a series of call-backs and many sleepless nights, Shannon was hired as the standby for the role of Tracy . Now, with over two hundred onstage performances (as Tracy ) under her belt, Shannon has just been signed to take over the leading role in July. Those who love her know that success will not spoil Shannon Durig. The love and friendships that Shannon found in her hometown and especially at Miller-Marley will go on forever. Shannon has not forgotten where it all started, or all the people who nurtured her talent along the way. She would like to express her thanks to Shirley, Brian, Connie Ramos, Beth, Alecia, Sharon , Joan, Ann and voice teachers for believing in her. And a special thanks to Madge for all the hugs and lollipops.

Shannon as "Tracy" on Broadway