Hairspray Dances Into New Britain, Beginning Friday May 15
This May, Connecticut Theatre Company takes you back to the 1960’s with the award winning musical, Hairspray. It’s 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland, where plus-sized teenager Tracy Turnblad dreams of dancing on the Corny Collins Show. When she gets put in detention with African-American student Seaweed J. Stubbs, he teaches her some dance moves. Tracy impresses Corny with her new moves at the sophomore hop; winning her a spot on the show and making her dream come true. Tracy must use her new found status to win the affection of teen heartthrob Link Larkin, dethrone mean girl teen queen Amber Von Tussle, and advocate for racial integration on a television network. Winner of eight Tony Awards, this family-friendly musical is packed with laughter, romance, and beautiful music.
This show stars 28 performers from Central Connecticut including Johanna Regan (Tracy Turnblad), Stephen Michelsson (Link Larkin), Rachel Dufresne (Amber Von Tussle), Elizabeth Shapiro (Velma Von Tussle), Chelsea Kelle (Penny Pingleton), and Duane Campbell (Edna Turnblad).Director Erin Campbell states, “This popular show is filled with laughs and a wonderful upbeat score, but is also incredibly relevant to today’s headlines, demonstrating how the arts can encourage positive social change.”
Hairspray runs May 15th – May 31st at The Repertory Theatre in New Britain (23 Norden Street). Tickets are general admission and are $25.00 for adults and $23.00 for seniors. Shows are Friday and Saturdays at 7pm and Sundays at 2pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.connecticuttheatrecompany.org or bought at the door the night of the performance.