August 15- The August heat was nothing compared to the assault on ozone levels unleashed at the opening night of the new Broadway sensation Hairspray. The musical's enormous buzz brought out the bigwigs, literally and figuratively - theatergoers in '60s vintage, big hair and drag joined the rich and famous. Leaving air-conditioned TV studios for the premiere were Diane Sawyer, a now-svelte Ricki Lake, who originated the role of chubby Tracy Turnblad in the 1988 movie version, and the NBC Today Show's Katie Couric and Jill Rappaport, sporting a beehive wig and carrying a can of hairspray. Rosie O'Donnell looked hot, literally and figuratively, in a neon green jacket and newly short locks.

Legendary Better Midler, no slouch in the outrageous humor department, was cool as a cucumber. Sarah Jessica Parker learns well; after five seasons of Sex and the City she and hubby Matthew Broderick got it right with junior well on the way. Kathleen Turner, Nathan Lane and rock icon Lou Reed all defied the wilting heat to check out Hairspray. Director John Waters, Hairspray's creator, appeared with heiress Patty Hearst, star of several of his movies. We hope all this humidity keeps our skin fresh; we felt ancient when a young colleague asked who Patty Hearst was. "You know, kidnapped by radicals in 1974." "Never heard of her." Ouch.