OPENING NIGHT: CHHS Theatre presents ‘Hairspray’ starting Thursday night

Published 9:38 pm Wednesday, March 4, 2020

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“Hairspray” the musical opens at 7 o’clock tonight at the Charles Henderson High School Cafetorium and will continue with productions on Friday and Saturday nights. Admission is $7 at the door.

Judith Park, CHHS drama teacher and “Hairspray” director, said she joins the cast in its excitement to present the fun and upbeat musical to Troy.

“We feel that the message of love and acceptance is universal and always relevant,” Park said. “‘Hairspray’ highlights important moments in American history around the time of the Civil Rights movement. Although the show tackles big issues, the humor and up-tempo music will make for an enjoyable evening for all ages.”

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“Hairspray” is set in Baltimore, Maryland in the 1960s and focuses on a dance-loving teenager, Tracy Turnblad.

Park said the storyline is that Tracy auditions for a spot on “The Corny Collins Show” and wins. She becomes an overnight celebrity, a trendsetter in dance, fun and fashion.

But, is her new status as a teen sensation enough to topple Corny’s reigning dance queen and bring racial integration to the show? Come and see.

“Lily Ryan, who plays the lead, Tracy Turnblad, is in ninth grade,” Park said. “‘Hairspray’ is her first high school production.

“Since I was little, I have always loved ‘Hairspray,’” Lily said. “I knew every song and was obnoxiously in love with all the dancing, so, to be given this opportunity to be Tracy Turnblad, is a dream come true.”

The opportunity to be cast in “Hairspray” is an exciting opportunity for all cast members. They have worked tirelessly in anticipation of hearing, “Lights! Camera! Action.” And, tonight is the night.

The ‘Hairspray’ cast also features, Russ Oliver as Corny Collins; Ryan Turner as Edna Turnblad; Brianna Pham, as Penny Pingleton; Sophie Motes, as Velma von Tussle; Anna Robinson as Amber von Tussle; Stephen Holbert, as Link Larkin; John Alloway as Seaweed; Kamari Green, as Little Inez; Ka’Daja Hall, as Motormouth Maybelle; Jaxen Lunsford, as Wilber Turnblad; Mary Stoltze as Prudy Pingleton; Jacob Brooks as Harriman Spritzer; Gabi Palomino as Mrs. Pinky; Anja Lieb as the gym teacher/prison matron and Vanessa Gomez as the principal.

The Dynamites are Shania Dilworth, Nacirema Powell, Reagan Boswell and Alyssia Boswell. The Ensemble members are Brooke McLendon, Aicey Hawkins, Abby Campbell, Lola Adams, Lizzie Weed, Paige Crawley, Preston DuBose, Jacobi Green, Ian Cameron, Sydney Ellis, NaTassia Smith and Ashunti Bledsoe.

Showtime is 7 p.m. tonight through Saturday at the CHHS cafetorium.