It was a sell-out when it was made into a movie.
It’s been all over the world in theatre productions, and now, Hairsprayis coming to the east Auckland community, courtesy of Howick College’s drama department.
Hairspray tells the story of exuberant teenager Tracy Turnblad living in 1960’s America, where racial segregation has permeated every aspect of society.
With the help of her newfound friends, and a desire to see all people integrated for the sake of dance, Tracy sets out to permanently integrate her favourite after-school
show.
Howick College head of drama and expressive arts, Jillian Dryden, said the show is a wonderful way to expose students to the community, and empower students to make the world a better place by standing up for what’s right.
“Hairspray is so relevant to the world we live in right now – the uncertain world
we live in right now.
“It’s another reminder of the sacrifices other people have made before us for equality… equality in every sense of the word.”
It’s a massive commitment for the school, from organising a cast to costumes and
production, and rehearsals that started all the way back in term one.
They couldn’t have done it without the work of Debbie Szopa, who is one of two production managers for the show, said Mrs Dryden.
Year 13 student Vicki Mosheim, who plays lead character Tracy, said she’s excited to focus on a role that encompasses singing, acting and dancing.
She’s been involved in various productions in the past and has extensive experience in the area of dance, having studied ballet, jazz, contemporary and musical
theatre.
The best part of production is meeting people she would “never have otherwise met”, said the 17-year-old.
Byron Hogan, who plays Edna Turnblad in the show, agreed meeting new people and bonding over the shared experience was a highlight.
- The show opens June 28 and runs till July 1 and starts at 7pm each night.
