Hairspray premiers at St. James Theatre
The opening of Hairspray, St. James Theatre's 2016 musical extravaganza, kicked off with great success last Friday, July 15, at the St. James Parish Center in Arlington Heights. An auditorium packed with local theater lovers enthusiastically applauded throughout the Broadway-inspired show performed by a diverse cast of 126 actors. "Attendance at this year's opening surpassed last year's show. So we're off to a very good start," said Mike and Anne Wilder, this year's producers.
"We had a record turnout for auditions as well - 170 people tried out for the roles," said Wilder. In total, 230 people are involved on stage and behind the scenes, including special cameo appearances by St. James pastor Fr. Matt Foley, Fr. Bill Zavaski, Fr. Gilbert Mashurano, Fr. Derek Ho, and Sr. Faustina Ferko.
The rest of the creative team is led by Rachael Proulx as director, Marina Sterner as choreographer, Joe Giovannetti as musical and orchestra director, and Kelsey Coleman as stage manager.
The musical Hairspray is all about acceptance. The story takes place in 1962 Baltimore as racial tensions about segregation are just heating up. Tracy Turnblad, a plus-size girl who is an outcast herself, takes on the issue of acceptance in her own style... and changes the world.
The producers chose this musical after being inspired by Pope Francis' recent call for mercy and acceptance. The story has a great message that is presented in a fun, uplifting, and inspirational way. The song "I Know Where I've Been," performed by Abigail Adjei-Perberg as Motormouth Maybelle is a high point you just have to experience.
The show runs every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday through July 31. Tickets range in price from $5 to $15. For details, visit www.stjamestheatre.org/tickets-and-show-times