Hey Mama, Welcome to the 60s

This week West Ashley High School presents its yearly musical when they perform the Broadway hit Hairspray in the school’s auditorium on May 18, 19, 20. With more than 70 Honors Drama IV and Drama IV students making up the cast of characters and crew, theater-goers will find the quality much advanced from a typical high school production.
A hit on Broadway when it opened in August of 2002, Hairspray is based on New Line Cinema’s film directed by John Waters. With music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the show won the 2003 Tony Award for Best Musical and played 31 previews and 2,641 regular performances before it closed in January of 2009.
Hairspray, a musical about life in Baltimore in the early ‘60s, tells the story of a “pleasantly plump,” energetic girl named Tracy Turnblad, and her passion and strong desire to dance on The Corny Collins Show, and how she eventually gets her wish. Tracy desperately seeks equality for diverse teens. While excited for her and proud of her values, Tracy’s plus-size mother, Edna, worries the world will not be kind to Tracy due to her weight.
While on The Corny Collins Show, Tracy falls for teenage heartthrob, Link Larkin, much to the chagrin of the show’s producer, Velma Von Tussle, and her daughter, Amber. While serving detention one day, Penny Pingleton, Tracy’s nerdy best friend, falls in love with Seaweed J. Stubbs, a young black boy from the ghettos of Baltimore, despite her overprotective mother’s, Prudy, efforts to punish her daughter and keep them apart.
Seaweed brings his new friends to his mother’s, Motormouth Maybelle’s record shop for a platter party. At the shop, Tracy rallies everyone to march against the television station because African-Americans are not allowed on the show except for one day a month. During the protest, the police arrive and fights break out, eventually landing many of the diverse protestors in jail. Because of Tracy’s perseverance, life in ’60s Baltimore has been changed forever.
Hairspray is an entertaining evolution through rocking music and dance, of Tracy, Link, Penny, Seaweed, and the rest of this crazy cast of characters.  The show is a “feel-good” experience.
“Hairspray is a great show with humor, romance, a poignant theme, and a relevant message,” says co-director Nancy Shurlds. “I have enjoyed directing it because I love the actors, the historical significance, and the outcome. Hairspray is a show that will be around a long time! I am thrilled that we have valuable assistance from alumni, and guest artists singing the heart-rending I Know Where I’ve Been.  The song is a genuine show-stopper the audience will long remember.”
This family-fun show is certain to delight audiences. With lighting by PDA, backdrops by Grosh Scenic Design of Hollywood, sound by Steve Green of Island Sounds, and engineering by Ben Jones and Jamall Rawlinson, the show presents a night full of entertainment and laughter. With previous productions like Les Miserables, Ragtime, West Side Story, and Shrek: The Musical under The Drama Studio’s belt, the quality of their work has long been proven. Directors Ellyn Winkles and Nancy Shurlds are very proud of their extremely dedicated cast and crew and anticipate another great production.
West Ashley High School’s The Drama Studio presents Hairspray on May 18, 19, and 20. The auditorium will open for seating at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m. each night. All tickets, including children’s, are $10. Tickets may be bought in advance from any cast member or at The Drama Studio by calling 573.1201, ext. 5213.