Full Casting Announced for NSMT's Hairspray, 10/24-11/19

Full casting has been announced for the North Shore Music Theatre's production of Hairspray.  The hit musical will be receiving its regional theatre premiere.

Playing from October 24 – November 19, the show will have its press night on October 26 at 7:30pm. Comcast is the presenting sponsor of the 2006 Musical Series.

"Based on the 1988 John Waters film, audiences will journey back to 1960's Baltimore and join our heroin Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big dreams and even bigger hair. She'll do whatever it takes to claim a spot on a popular television dance show, win the heart of Link Larkin, and turn the town upside down in her efforts to racially integrate television. Hairspray, winner of 8 Tony Awards, features a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman," state press materials.

The production will star Paul C. Vogt as Edna Turnblad, the role he recently played in the Las Vegas staging of the show. Playing the heroine Tracy Turnblad will be Bridie Carroll, a 2005 Boston Conservatory graduate. The show will also feature the voiceover talent of 7NEWS Anchor Randy Price.

The supporting cast will feature: Inga Ballard (Motormouth Mabel), David Coffee (Harriman F. Spritzer, Principal, Mr. Pinky, Guard) Dick Decareau (Wilbur Turnblad), Todd Dubail (Corny Collins), Valerie Fagan (Prudy Pingleton/Gym Teacher/Matron), David Larson (Link Larkin), Deb Lyons (Velma Von Tussle), Sarah Elizabeth Nischwitz (Penny Pingleton), Dashaun Young (Seaweed) and Dana Zihlman (Amber Von Tussle).

The cast of 29 also includes Jamie Buxton, Allison Blackwell, Kevin Curtis, Mike Evariste, Amy Hillner, Michael Jablonski, Lisa Kassay, Colleen Longshaw, Shua Potter, Franklyn Warfield, Kara Tameika Watkins, Steven Wenslawski and Curtiss Wesley.

Hairspray will also showcase three local young performers. Thirteen year old Simone Senibaldi, of Everett, MA will be featured as Little Inez. Natasha Ashworth, of Rowley, MA, and Michael Taglieri, of Newburyport, MA, will be part of the ensemble.

The creative team includes Barry Ivan (Director/Choreographer), Dale Rieling (Musical Director), Howard C. Jones (Scenic Designer), William Ivey Long (Original Costume Design), Jack Mehler (Lighting Designer), and John A. Stone (Sound Design). 

Tickets are priced from $75 to $40: Senior & Youth Discounts and Rush Tickets are Available. Performances are October 24 – November 19, 2006, Tue – Thurs at 7:30pm, Fri & Sat at 8pm, matinees Wed at 1:30pm, Sat and Sun at 2pm. For tickets: www.nsmt.org, (978) 232-7200, or in person at 62 Dunham Rd. Beverly, MA 01915. The show is sponsored by Danversbank.