You can’t stop the beat when Hairspray dances onto CenterStage July 19.
Big hair, tall socks and daring dance moves will kickstart CenterStage’s 2018-2019 season as the cast performs its rendition of the Broadway musical Hairspray. You certainly won’t want to stop this beat when the show dances into the Jewish Community Center this summer.
The CenterStage version stays true to the original story of the Tony Award-winning Broadway production and aims to make everyone sitting in the theater feel like they are just as much a part of the show as the cast.
The family-friendly musical transports audiences back in time to the 1960s where Tracy Turnblad aims to land her dream TV role, win the heart of the cutest boy in school and evoke a change in civil rights law – all without messing up her hair.
Featuring music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, Hairspray is known for its catchy pop and rock melodies “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” “The Nicest Kids in Town” and “Good Morning Baltimore.” The show is also often thought of as a fluffy, high-energy, kid-friendly pop musical, which it most certainly is, but it also provides its audience a sophisticated way of telling the story of racism and social inequality in the 1960s – and today – and understanding lessons from the past.
Hairspray won eight Tony Awards in 2003, including best musical, and ran for over five years with numerous national and international tours. The stage musical gained more fans in 2007 when it was adapted into a movie, featuring Amanda Bynes, John Travolta and Michelle Pfeiffer.
For some campy fun from the ’60s and some good music, Hairspray is the show to see this summer. Just don’t forget to do your hair before leaving for the theater.
Want to go?
Hairspray will begin its two-week run at The Jewish Community Center on July 19, with performances set to conclude on August 5. Monday, Thursday and Saturday night performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday’s matinee will begin at 2 p.m. Visit CenterStageJCC.org for tickets.