this week Oak Ridge Playhouse will kick off the 2011-2012 season with the enormously popular Broadway musical "Hairspray." Based on the original John Waters film and produced in new York in 2002, the Playhouse offers up its own production led by Jessica Magers-Rankin as lovable teen Tracy Turnblad, the plus-sized heroine who uses her dreams of stardom to gain acceptance, fight segregation and land the boy of her dreams. Change is in the air in early 1960's Baltimore. Hem lines are shorter, hair-dos are higher, and television shows are breaking down color barriers. At least that is Tracy's plan when she lands a spot on the popular "Corny Collins Show" dance program. She uses her new-found celebrity in an attempt to get her friends of color, who are allowed on the show only once a month, on the air with her. having several African-American roles in the show has helped bring several new faces to the Playhouse, including the youngest: 13-year-old Cierra Cotham, of Oliver Springs, as the bold and energetic Little Inez. Playing her mother, Baltimore celebrity Motormouth Maybelle is well-known Knoxville singer Evelyn Jack, while her brother Seaweed is played by Playhouse favorite Tony Williams II. the high-energy production is packed with a talented cast of 30 singers and dancers, including other new-comers like Bleu Copas and Alex Ward, as well as Playhouse veterans Chad Burchett, Erica Bundy, Anna McCoig, Kaylee Verbel and Daniel Barrett. "Hairspray" is directed by Playhouse Managing Artistic Director Reggie Law with musical direction by Sheryl Lawrence-Howard and choreography by Drey Herron. a winner of Tony Awards, including best Musical, "Hairspray" is not just a blast from the past, but a blast … period. Loaded with humor, colorful sets and costumes, the smash show features a retro-style score of rock and roll, R&B and gospel-like anthems. the show opens Friday (today) at 8 p.m. with an additional performance Saturday at 8 p.m. Performances continue on July 21, July 22, and July 23, at 8 p.m. and a matinee on July 24, at 2 p.m. Final performances are July 29, and July 30, at 8 p.m., and July 31, at 2 p.m. For more information, log on to www.orplayhouse.com or call (865) 482-9999. Tickets range in price from $16 to $20 depending on performance date. this production is made possible through support from WUOT 91.9 FM, the Arts and Culture Alliance of Knoxville, and the Tennessee Arts Commission.
