Photo Flash: In Rehearsal with DM Community Playhouse's HAIRSPRAY

The Des Moines Community Playhouse will be the first theatre in the country to present "Hairspray Jr.," Aug. 5-6. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 515-277-6261 and at The Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St.

Tracy Turnblad is a big girl with big hair and even bigger dreams: to dance on the Corny Collins television show. Can a larger-than-life teen vanquish the program's reining princess, integrate the show, and find true love?

"Hairspray Jr." is a 70-minute version of the popular musical. The show is adapted to suit teen voices, and edited to fit young audience attention spans. The Playhouse production will be performed on the Mainstage set for "Hairspray," which is running through Aug. 7.

The cast of 33 features students ages 11-17 from 18 Central Iowa schools. The cast of 33 includes Grace Nettrour as Tracy Turnblad, Cati Kalinoski as Edna Turnblad, Tommy Anderson as Wilbur Turnblad, Sam Lee as Link Larkin, Berkeley Coyne as Penny Pingleton, Kevin Johnson as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Adrienne Brown as Motormouth Maybelle, Emily Bailey as Little Inez, Jessica Martens as Amber Von Tussel, and Maddie Delk as Velma Von Tussel.

"Hairspray Jr." is directed by Tyler Lubinus, with music direction by Eric J. Shepard and choreography by Alison Shafer.

The Playhouse is Iowa's oldest and largest producing theatre. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For more information about The Playhouse and "Hairspray Jr.," contact The Playhouse ticket office at 515-277-6261.

"Hairspray" Performances: Aug. 5-6, 2011
1:00 PM Friday
1:00 PM and 4:00 PM Saturday
Seating is general admission

"Hairspray" Tickets
Ticket prices $10, with discounts groups of 15 or more
To purchase tickets:
515-277-6261
Des Moines Community Playhouse Ticket Office, 831 42nd St., Des Moines, IA 50312