Get your frug, pony and twist on as Reading’s Genesius Theatre presents the wonderful Tony Award-winning musical Hairspray, Jr. with Genesius’ talented kids – ages 6 to 14 years old – March 8 thru 17 directed by Dara Himes, music directed by Jennifer, choreographed by Jericho Joy, teen assistant choreographer, Andrew Bausher, and stage managed by Ashley Calderon.
The full version Hairspray, was winner of eight Tony awards, including Best Musical 2003, takes audiences back to 1962’s Baltimore, where Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with even bigger hair and an even BIGGER heart and love of dance, wins the chance to perform on the local TV teen dance program, The Corny Collins Show. Tracy becomes an overnight dancing sensation, but still wonders if she can vanquish both the show’s reigning dance princess, win the love of the show’s resident heartthrob, and help integrate a television show where African American dancers are relegated to their own “separate but not quite equal” show (which has better dancers AND music). The 1950s are out, and change is in the air! Hairspray JR. is the family-friendly musical adaptation piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs.
It’s 1962, and spunky, plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has one big dream — to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When she finally gets her shot, she’s transformed from social outcast to sudden star. In balancing her newfound power with her desire for justice, Tracy fights to dethrone the reigning Miss Teen Hairspray, Amber von Tussle, and integrate a TV network in the process. With the help of her outsized mom, Edna, and guest DJ, Motormouth Maybelle, the rhythm of Tracy’s new beat just might prove unstoppable.
Hairspray is based on the 1998 movie written and directed by John Walters, which starred Ricki Lake as Tracy and Baltimore’s own icon of bad-taste cinema, “Divine” as Edna. The 2007 film version of Hairspray starred John Travolta as Edna and Nikki Blonsky as Tracy.
Genesius’ production of Hairspray, Jr. opens Friday, March 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. each night. Matinee performances are offered at 3 p.m. on two Sundays, March 10 and 17. Tickets are: run between $15 and $20.00 and can be purchased online Show Run Time, Approximately 1 hour. www.genesiusdifference.org; or call 610-373-9500 card fees apply. Tickets also available at the door. The play is rated G.
