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Unique production of Hairspray to feature actors of ALL abilities!

UPS for DownS Theater Company will present its largest theater production to date when Hairspray Jr. hits the stage with a cast and crew of over seventy people. On April 16-19, this show will deliver a strong message about diversity and integration, made even more powerful as performed by this cast, which includes many actors with Down syndrome.

The show features local actors Cristina Cassata, 19, of Arlington Heights (a former Hersey High School student), Jamie Brooks, 17, of Arlington Heights - a junior at Hersey High School) and Lauren Ovsey, 20, of Arlington Heights also a former Hersey High School student).. Cristina is starring as Penny Pingleton in the Friday and Sunday performances along with Lauren Ovsey as Velma Von Tussel. Jamie is starring as Tracy Turnblad on Thursday and Saturday performances. Also, former Hersey students Mitchell Brandon and Catie Nowak and Buffalo Grove High School student Amanda Ewald are in the ensemble in all shows.

Hairspray Jr., based on the John Waters film and Tony Award-winning stage musical of the same name, features the popular songs "You Can't Stop the Beat" and "Good Morning Baltimore." Filled with energetic dance numbers and unique characters, Hairspray Jr. is a show that celebrates diversity and will bring audiences to their feet with its positive message and off-beat sense of humor.

This is the eighth musical brought to the stage through the joint efforts of the UPS for DownS Theater Company and Director Orion Couling of EDGE.

PERFORMANCES:

Some roles are double cast, so double check when purchasing tickets if you wish to see particular performers in featured roles. All actors are in all shows.

Ridgewood High School, 7500 West Montrose Avenue, Norridge, IL 60706

Thursday, April 16 at 7 p.m.

Friday, April 17 at 7 p.m.

Saturday, April 18 at 6 p.m.

Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m.

TICKET PRICES:

All seats are general admission. Get tickets at www.ufdhairspray.eventbrite.com

Presale online: $11 per person

All Show Pass online:$30 per person(non-transferable)

At the Door: $15 per person

About UPS for DownS Theatre Company

UPS for DownS Theatre Company is community-based musical theatre for people with Down syndrome, their friends, peers and others from the community who are interested in participating. Hairspray JR. is the eighth production that this group has performed, and the offerings now include theatre classes such as Intro to the Stage, Directing Theory and student favorite - Stage Combat. The Company partners with Director Orion Couling and EDGE Theatre for these productions and classes.

About EDGE Theatre

EDGE stands for "Esteem Development Through Greater Expectations." Using theatre arts, we educate and entertain to foster the tools of social change. EDGE has a goal of finding every participant's personal best and holding them accountable to it. EDGE's main thrust is developing theatre for marginalized communities and to bring a message of non-violence, civic, and social change through exploration of the theatre arts. To learn more, visit www.edgeoforion.com

About UPS for DownS

United Parent Support for Down Syndrome has been meeting the support and information needs of families and individuals with Down syndrome for over thirty years. With a vision of all people being valued members of the neighborhoods and communities in which we live, the organization emphasizes the importance of being included and participating in all aspects of your community. We strive to create opportunities for people of all abilities to learn, love, work and play side by side. For more information, visit www.upsfordowns.org

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