Grosse Pointe Theatre to Hold Dance Workshops and
Auditions for Hairspray
GROSSE POINTE, MI - Get out your dancing shoes! Grosse Pointe Theatre will be holding dance workshops for those interested in auditioning for Hairspray, Broadway's musical comedy phenomenon that inspired a motion picture and won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Grosse Pointe Theatre's production of Hairspray will be performed in May 2012 but preparations are well underway.
· Dance workshops will be held Tuesdays: Jan. 10, 17 and 24, from 7 - 10 p.m. at Grosse Pointe Theatre's Rehearsal Studio, located at 315 Fisher Rd. at Maumee, in Grosse Pointe Farms.
· Auditions for Hairspray will take place Saturday, Jan. 28, 1 - 5 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 29, 3 - 7 p.m., also at Grosse Pointe Theatre's Rehearsal Studio.
· Hairspray Performance Dates: May 6, 9-13 and 17- 20. Grosse Pointe Theatre performs its main stage productions at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial Fries Auditorium.
Director/Choreographer Timothy Higgins and Producer Chris Kaiser are looking forward to casting an enthusiastic and energized ensemble. The story takes place in 1962 in Baltimore. Teenager Tracy Turnblad, a happy-go-lucky, pleasantly plump high school student, loves to dance and wear hairstyles of the times. Her one desire is to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream finally comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star, but she must use her newfound power to vanquish the reigning Teen Queen Amber Von Tussle, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a Television network - all without denting her 'do! The show is packed with fun, yet brings home the timeless message of respecting others and doing the right thing.
Higgins, along with Co-choreographer Marcy Kazmirowski will teach the complimentary dance workshops. Although participating in the workshops won't guarantee a spot in the show, it will prepare participants for auditions and familiarize them with the high-energy style of dancing that will be in the production.
Scripts and music cuts are available by calling Grosse Pointe Theatre at 313-886-8901 or Chris Kaiser at 313-881-8040. To reserve tickets for Grosse Pointe Theatre productions call 313-881-4004.
Grosse Pointe Theatre Inc. is a nonprofit community theatre organization established in 1947 made up of volunteers dedicated to the presentation of theatrical excellence. The organization offers the community a diversified theatrical experience while providing its members with opportunities for participation and training in the theatre arts. For more information visit www.gpt.org.
Following is a list of character descriptions also available at gpt.org.
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Book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan
Music by Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman
HAIRSPRAY CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS and AUDITION SONGS
Tracy Turnblad: (Lead) Pleasantly plump teenager with a big heart who has dreams of being a dancing star. Isn't afraid to be herself and stand up for what she believes in. Friendly, relentless, and good-hearted, with a vibrant, lovable personality. Must have acting, vocal and dancing stamina. "Good Morning Baltimore" and "You Can't Stop the Beat."
Edna Turnblad: (Lead) Tracy's kind and shy, plus?sized mother. Runs a laundry business out of her home and has not gone out in years. Requires a strong, comic male performer who must play a compassionate mother and wife, not a man pretending to be a woman. "You're Timeless to Me" and "You Can't Stop the Beat."
Penny Pingleton: (Support) Tracy's slightly dorky, yet lovable best friend, who is often by her side. Has her ditzy moments yet always maintains a heartfelt soul. Falls head over heels for Seaweed. "Mama, I'm A Big Girl Now".
Velma Von Tussle: (Support) Amber's attractive but overbearing mother who pushes her daughter to seek stardom. The scheming producer of The Corny Collins Show, who tries to steer it in the "white" direction. Controlling, bossy and bigoted. A great villainess role. "Miss Baltimore Crabs".
Amber Von Tussle: (Support) Bratty, selfish resident princess of The Corny Collins Show. Her mother's daughter through and through. Conniving and willing to do anything to win the Miss Teenage Hairspray pageant. "Mama, I'm A Big Girl Now".
Corny Collins: (Support) Exciting and confident dancing and singing host of his own TV dance show. Smooth, dashing, suave TV personality. In favor of Tracy and racial integration. "Nicest Kids in Town".
Link Larkin: (Support) Heartthrob, aspiring crooner, and lead dancer on The Corny Collins Show. The love-interest to both Tracy and Amber. Has the boy-next-door looks, sexy and masculine. "It Takes Two".
Motormouth Maybelle: (Support) The sassy but sweet Corny Collins "Negro Day" DJ. Owner of a record store and a mother-figure to all. Wise from experience and yearns for change. Plus?sized, she helps Edna find pride in herself. "I Know Where I've Been."
Seaweed J. Stubbs: (Support) Motormouth Maybelle's attractive son and a talented dancer on The Corny Collins Show, but only allowed on "Negro Day." Street-smart, easy-going and kind-hearted. Falls in love with Penny. "Run and Tell That."
Wilbur Turnblad: (Support) Tracy's goofy father, childish yet caring, who owns the Har?Dee?Har Hut joke shop. Still madly in love with his wife, Edna. Wants only what is best for his family and encourages Tracy to follow her dreams. "You're Timeless to Me."
Little Inez: (Featured) Seaweed's younger sister, bustling with sass, soul and dance. Tries to audition for The Corny Collins Show but is turned away by Velma because she is black. Has a keen awareness at a young age of social injustice. "Run and Tell That."
The Dynamites: (Featured) Judine, Kamilah, and Shayna. A girl-group of the 1960's, a la The Supremes with soul, sequins and style. Must be able to sing in tight three-part harmony. Will double as students in the Students Ensemble. "Welcome to the ‘60's".
Female Authority Figure: (Featured) Plays the following middle-aged women: Prudy Pingleton (Penny's uptight, prudish mother), a sadistic gym teacher and a sardonic prison matron. "You Can't Stop the Beat."
Male Authority Figure: (Featured) Plays the following middle-aged men: Harriman F. Spritzer (President of Ultra Clutch cosmetics, The Corny Collins show sponsor), a high?blood pressure principal, the flamboyant Mr. Pinky (owner of the Hefty Hideaway, a plus?sized dress shop), a bigoted cop and a corrupt jail guard. "You Can't Stop the Beat."
Council Members: (Non-Featured) Tammy, Brad, Fender, Brenda, Sketch, Shelley, IQ, Lou Ann. Dancers and singers on The Corny Collins Show. These roles require strong dancers with vocal stamina and will be the focus of musical numbers. Must have the look of a high school teenager. "You Can't Stop the Beat."
Students Ensemble: (Non-Featured) Gilbert, Duane, Lorraine, Stooie, Thad, Cindy Watkins. Students who enjoy and frequently visit Motormouth Maybelle's record shop. These roles require strong dancers with vocal stamina and will be the focus of musical numbers. Must have the look of a high school teenager. "You Can't Stop the Beat."
Denizens of Baltimore: (Non-Featured) Residents of Baltimore who will play various adult roles: street scene characters, mothers of the Councilettes, police officers,etc. Will also sing back-up for most of the musical numbers. "You Can't Stop the Beat."
Rehearsals will begin Feb. 7. Schedule is Tuesdays and Fridays, 7 - 10 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.; and Sundays, 2 - 5 p.m. Saturday rehearsals will be primarily dance.
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