Behind the scenes of the upcoming school musical

Most people have seen “Hairspray,” the well-received 2007 musical film centered on Tracy Turnblad, a young girl who dances on a locally-filmed TV show in 1962, stirring up the process by being overweight and believing in racial integration. In our last print edition, Director Sam Williams spoke of a strong ensemble cast, with 45 people altogether.

With the play opening on Oct. 11, rehearsals are becoming more focused. Sheila Meyer, stage manager for the show, admits coordination of such a large number of performers is very difficult.

“It’s kind of nerve racking. My first show I ever did here [as stage manager] was only an eight person cast, and the difference between the two is ridiculous”, Meyer said at rehearsal, gesturing toward the stage where the entire cast was going through blocking for the opening number “Good Morning Baltimore”.
The cast is very diverse, a factor that is necessary considering the subject matter. At the outset of the story, the dance show is segregated, and black people are only allowed to dance on “Negro Day”. Turnblad becomes a part of the show and calls for a change.

Originally a film by cult-classic filmmaker John Waters in 1988, “Hairspray” was adapted into a Broadway musical in 2002, and won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. This success led to the 2007 remake of the film. Since then, the musical has risen in popularity.

“It’s a show where you can end up feeling you belong somewhere. You follow the life of Tracy Turnblad and all the prejudices she goes through and all of the characters go through prejudices of their own,” says Sarah Richard, who plays Penny, Turnblad’s best friend. “Once you get to the second act, you really see how the characters transform and it’s really incredible. It really is one person taking a stand and making a change for the better. And just the effect and revolution one person can start.”

With a live orchestra of ARC students, and the costume shop making a full cast’s worth of classic 1960s clothing, the entire production is huge. Kris Loewen, an ensemble member playing multiple roles, highly recommends that everyone at ARC come to see it. “You need to come see the play,” Loewn said. “It’s going to be so amazing. The orchestra is great, the actors are great. Not seeing the show would be missing out on a really fun experience”.