‘Hairspray’ showing at Leeds
Published 7:44 pm Saturday, August 19, 2017
Tracy Turnblad (Tia Rivel) and Amber VonTussle (Kristen Taylor) struggle against each other during a rally to integrate the cast of the Corny Collins Show in "Hairspray," now showing at Leeds Center for the Arts. (Photo by Seth Littrell)
Edna Turnblad (Nicholas Breiner) and Velma ConTussle (Lindsey Carlstedt) fight over a sign at an integration rally in "Hairspray," now showing at Leeds Center for the Arts. (Photo by Seth Littrell)
Tracy Turnblad (Tia Rivel) daydreams about marrying Link Larkin after they first meet on the set of the Corny Collins Show. (Photo by Seth Littrell)
Leeds Center for the Arts has debuted a blast from the past with a still poignant message with its production of the musical classic “Hairspray.”
The show, set in 1962, focusses on teenager Tracy Turnblad, who loves to dance and longs for a spot on her favorite TV show, the Corny Collins Show.
“She doesn’t look like the rest of the kids on the show, but she’s a really good dancer,” Director Sarah Evans said.
The show addresses the issue of stereotypes, body shaming and racism in America.
Producer Tracy Miller said the theater decided to produce “Hairspray” because it is a fund show, but one that also has a deeper meaning.
“When we choose a show we want to choose a show that is engaging, but also impactful,” Miller said. “We didn’t realize how relevant the message would become with the events in Charlottesville.”
The show, which features 17 musical numbers, features a cast of 47 largely made up of high school students. Evans said the cast has been rehearsing for the choreography heavy show nonstop since May.
“Hairspray” will be shown at Leeds tonight, Aug. 25 and Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday and Aug. 27 at 2:30 p.m.
While “Hairspray” is showing at Leeds the theater’s gallery will feature the work of Louisville artist Kevlen Goodner.
Goodner, Miller said, is an illustrator who has worked on both comic books and anime style drawings.
