Arkansas Repertory Presents HAIRSPRAY, 4/8-5/8

Arkansas Repertory Theatre, or The Rep, will present the musical comedy favorite Hairspray from Friday, April 8 to Sunday, May 8. Two preview performances will play Wednesday, April 6 and Thursday, April 7 at 7 p.m., with a preshow discussion with the directors at 6:15 p.m. This production will be directed and choreographed by Michael Barnard and Robert Kolby Harper.

Hairspray is based on the movie by John Waters. Its book is by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, its music is by Marc Shaiman and its lyrics are by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman.

It's 1962, and pleasantly plump Baltimore teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire: to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to dancing queen...but she must use her newfound power to vanquish the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a TV network - all without denting her 'do!

Winner of 8 Tony Awards (including Best Musical), Hairspray is a joyous tribute to an era past and a rollicking must-see musical comedy.

"Stocked with canny, deliriously tuneful songs by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman...Hairspray is as sweet as a show can be without promoting tooth decay." - New York Times

Leading the cast are Tommaso Antico as Link Larkin, Morgan Brown as Little Inez, Lillian Castillo as Tracy Turnblad, Katie Emerson as Penny Pingleton, LaVon Fisher-Wilson as Motormouth Maybelle, Antyon Le Monte as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Laura Medford as Amber Von Tussle, Kenny Morris as Wilbur Turnblad, Andi Watson as Velma Von Tussle and D. Scott Withers as Edna.

The ensemble consists of Kelsie Adkisson, Iris Burruss, Brendan Chambers, P. Jay Clark, Kevin Crumpler, Katye Dunn, David Errigo Jr., Gregory J. Hanks, Stacy Hawking, Michael Lowe, Kimberly Marable, Matt Morley, Sandy Rosenberg, Molly Rosenthal, Mary Katelin Ward and Cory Washington.

The Hairspray crew includes set designer Robert Andrew Kovach, technical director Mike Nichols, costume designers Michael Bottari & Ronald Case, lighting designer Mike J. Eddy, sound designer M. Jason Pruzin, properties designer Lynda J. Kwallek, wig designer Gerard Kelly, production manager/costume coordinator Rafael Colon Castanera, music director Corinne Aquilina, producing artistic director Robert Hupp, stage manager Patrick Lanczki and assistant stage manager Mary Stazewski.

Hairspray will feature several special events during its first week. The Wednesday, April 6 preview will be BrewHaHa, when casual appetizers from local restaurants and beer by Golden Eagle will be served the hour before the show. The Thursday, April 7 preview will be the show's "Pay What You Can" night, where patrons can pay any amount they wish for their ticket. Tickets for "Pay What You Can" must be purchased in person at the Box Office the day of the performance.

The Friday, April 8 Opening Night will include a post-show reception with the cast immediately following the show. Complementary champagne and light hors d'oeuvres will be provided. Finally, the Saturday, April 9 matinee will be a "Mom & Me" performance. Enjoy a complimentary lunch, hair and jewelry vendors in the lobby and a special matinee performance of Hairspray at 2:00 p.m. followed by a meet & greet with some of the cast after the show.

Hairspray will perform Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Single ticket pricing for Rep productions can range from $20 to $60, depending on the date and time. Contact the Box Office at (501) 378-0405 or SHOP ONLINE with your date and time for ticket prices per show. The Rep is located at 601 Main Street. Visit www.therep.org for more information.

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