Carly Jibson to Depart Broadway's Hairspray on May 29

"This has been the most amazing two years of my life and nothing in the world will ever be able to touch on this experience," Jibson told Broadway.com. "I was such a baby when I first stepped into this role, and it has been such a learning experience. I will never be able to be thankful enough for it. I want to say thank you to all the people who have supported me so far and know that, while my leaving now is a little untimely, I am looking forward to the next venture, whatever it may be."

Jibson assumed the role of Tracy Turnblad in the Broadway production on May 4, 2004 after receiving rave reviews for her performance in the first national tour of the tuner. In his Broadway.com Review of the New York production with Jibson, Eric Grode wrote: "[Jibson] dances like a dream and injects a surprising tinge of carnality that was absent in the original production."

Durig currently serves as the Tracy standby and has played the role numerous times. Her regional theatrical credits include They're Playing Our Song, Peter Pan and Grease. She is a graduate of the American Musical & Dramatic Academy.

"I know Shannon is going to be a great Tracy Turnblad," Jibson said. "I wish nothing but the best for Hairspray, and I know she is going to be do magnificent things with the show."

Hairspray also stars Bruce Vilanch as Edna Turnblad, Todd Susman as Wilbur Turnblad, Richard H. Blake as Link Larkin, Chester Gregory II as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Jordan Ballard as Amber Von Tussle, Tracey Miller as Penny Pingleton, Mary Bond Davis as Motormouth Maybelle and Barbara Walsh as Velma Von Tussle.

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