Illinois College TheatreWorks is mounting the hit musical, “Hairspray,” this month on the Sibert Theatre stage.
Based on the 1988 John Waters film starring Ricki Lake, the musical takes place in 1962 Baltimore. Big-haired and boisterous Tracy Turnblad dreams of dancing on the hit television program, “The Corny Collins Show,” and falling in love with the dreamy Link Larkin. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes an overnight celebrity which allows her to launch a campaign to integrate the show. The original Broadway production of the musical won eight Tony Awards in 2003.
“Hairspray is very much a show about dreaming of a better world and believing that the good in people will prevail, that we can all be accepted and loved as we are,” said director Kate Muchmore, visiting assistant professor of theatre. “It has been a delight to see IC students and Jacksonville community members come together to share their dreams and produce this wonderful, musical, lively, and spectacularly fun show!”
Director of Choral Activities Abby Musgrove is providing musical direction, Jacksonville resident Sarah Frye is the show’s choreographer, and Jane Brownback of Ashland serving as costumer.
The cast of 34 includes Illinois College students, faculty, staff and community members. Autumn Brown, Kiara Caskey, Zach Pickens, Kristin Van Aken Jamison and Tiffany Williams are cast in principal roles in the musical, along with Kyle Cummings, Gabe Knott and Evan Rumler of Jacksonville. Kevin Klein and Kendi Klein, both of Murrayville, are also cast in the show, as well as Springfield resident Mark Coultas.
The producing arm of the department of theatre, TheatreWorks mounts one musical every three years. Undertaking a large production like “Hairspray” has been a combined effort of many in the college and local communities.
“We chose ‘Hairspray’ as our first musical in years because it is an exciting show with a poignant message, and we felt we could entice theatregoers who might be unfamiliar with TheatreWorks to come to campus and see what we do on the stage,” explained Craig Steenerson, associate professor of theatre. “We have been fortunate to receive assistance from many businesses and individuals in the community which has allowed us to produce a show with fine acting, dancing and singing, as well as first-rate sound, lighting, costumes and live music.”
“Hairspray” performances will be held in McGaw Fine Arts Center’s Sibert Theatre on March 24, 29, 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m., and March 25 and April 1 at 2 p.m. Tickets are priced at $10 for adults and $7 for children 12 and younger. Contact the IC TheatreWorks Box Office at 217.245.3471 to reserve tickets or order online at www.ic.edu/theatre.
Founded in 1829, Illinois College is a residential liberal arts college fostering academic excellence rooted in opportunities for experiential learning while preparing students for lifelong success.