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Arts & Entertainment

'Hairspray' Poses a Stiff Challenge

Playhouse 22 is gearing up for next week's opening of Hairspray.

Walk into the East Brunswick Cultural Arts Center on Cranbury Road one evening this week or next, and you might wonder if you’ve arrived too late to find a good seat.

Then you’ll realize the bodies filling almost the entire front three rows of the sizable theater aren’t patrons waiting for the curtain, but performers waiting to make their next entrance.

Rehearsals are on for “Hairspray,” Playhouse 22’s final production of its 2010-2011 season, and the popular musical boasts not only a gigantic cast, but an oversized can of hairspray, a subplot about racial integration, and a dance number devoted entirely to cooties. It’s a production on which director Ana C. Kalet seems to be ably keeping a steady rudder.

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“I think we’re up to about 27 in the cast at this point,” said Kalet during a break in Tuesday night’s rehearsal. “We had lost a few actors to prom season and a few to other productions, and some aren’t here tonight due to other commitments, but we’re at about full capacity now.”

The musical version of “Hairspray” is based on the 1988 John Waters film of the same name, and follows roughly the same plot. Set in 1962 Baltimore, it tells the story of plus-sized teenager, Tracy Turnblad, and her dream to dance on television’s outrageously popular Corny Collins Show. “I’d seen the touring company of the production and by the end of the show I just wanted to get up and dance in the aisles,” Kalet said. “First of all, I love the music (which is by New Jersey native Marc Shaiman). It has a very 60s feel to it. A lot of the music of the 60s was very dramatic to begin with, very oriented around storytelling, like ‘Leader of the Pack.’ "

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“Plus I remember when the move came out realizing that finally a plus-sized girl will have a show to play the lead in,” she adds with a smile.

Which led to one of the more unexpectedly difficult experiences Kalet had directing the show. “I neglected to realize there can be only one Tracy,” she said. I had to turn away a lot of good actresses.”

In the end, to role went to local teenager Emily Gordanier. “She has a phenomenal voice,” Kalet said. “It’s just amazing. She got an excellent rating in dance; she basically aced every element of the audition. And she worked really well with the other actors.”

One of the other signature roles in “Hairspray” is Edna, Tracy’s similarly sized mother. If you’re not familiar with the show, however, the reasons for its signature status may be slightly surprising.

“It’s always cast as a cross-dressed man, going back to the movie,” Kalet said. She had several strong actors read for the part, but local actor Wesley Loon ultimately won the role by channeling Aretha Franklin. “Wesley sang ‘You Made me Feel Like a Natural Woman’ for his audition, and became my Edna,” Kalet said.

The show is also perfect for a family outing, which is no surprise when you realize Kalet’s own three children are sitting a few rows behind her, happily occupying themselves while mommy gives notes to the company. “It’s a very family friendly show,” Kalet said. “A lot of music, a lot of dancing. It’s a great choice if you want to get out to see something.”

“Hairspray” opens Friday, June 3, and runs through June 26. Performances are Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.playhouse22.org or call the box office at  732-254-3939.

 

 

 

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