How much Ultra Clutch Hairspray does is really take to hold Tracy’s ‘do’ together? Come find out this summer as Lone Star College-North Harris’ Theatre Department takes you back to the 1960s with the Tony Award-winning show “Hairspray: The Broadway Musical.” Daily performances are scheduled Jun. 28 through Jul. 2.
“For many years, audience members, students and fellow colleagues have asked if I would ever consider doing the musical. My reaction would always be, ‘When the time is right,’” said Cash Carpenter, show director and professor of drama at LSC-North Harris. “As I sat at my desk this year watching the headlines on the news and discussing our current social climate, I realized that the time is perfect for this production. Many people believe that Hairspray is just a fluffy, feel good musical. It can be that to many people however, the show has so much more to offer. The story of Tracy and her persistence to break barriers and prejudice is a spark of hope, and I truly believe we all need that right now.”
It is 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland, and larger-than-life teen Tracy Turnblad has one dream- to dance on “The Corny Collins Show.” Watch how Tracy’s dreams come true, and how she uses her new fame to overcome high school drama and the reigning teen queen Amber, finding romance with her long-time crush Link Larkin and how she tries to unite a television network from segregation, all while keeping her ‘do’ in place. You can’t stop the beat with this toe-tapping musical that is sure to keep you singing the whole car ride home.
“In Hairspray the influence and power of television is strong,” added Carpenter. “People watch the square box to find the latest trends in products, fashion, hair, music and dances. TV networks are always hard at work to create the perfect image of the “American dream.” However, the world outside the “box” is not always that picture-perfect. The fight for human rights and equality is in the forefront of our daily lives. The world needs more Tracy’s, as we continue to break down prejudice of all kinds, systemic privilege and barriers created by stereotypes. Together we can change, and take a lesson from Tracy-“You’ve got to dream big to be big!”
Performances will run Tuesday, Jun. 27 through Saturday, Jul. 1 at 7:30 p.m., with additional matinee performances on Saturday, Jul. 1 and Sunday, Jul. 2 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students, faculty, staff and seniors. Group discounts are available. Reservations are recommended. The performances will take place in the LSC-North Harris Performing Arts Theatre located in the Fine Arts Building at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, Houston, Texas.
Theatre patrons can also get a special sneak peek backstage on to the Hairspray set to meet Tracy and the cast! Backstage experience tours will take place immediately following each production. Participants will get the opportunity to take photos with Tracy and her friends and receive special souvenirs. The Premium Experience Package costs $25 per person, and includes one ticket to the show, one backstage tour ticket and one souvenir poster signed by the cast. The VIP Experience Package costs $40 per person, including one ticket to the show, premium seating, one backstage tour ticket, one t-shirt and one souvenir poster signed by the cast. Experience Packages are limited, so be sure to reserve your spot today!
To purchase tickets, please call 281.765.7963 or visit LoneStar.edu/drama-dept-nharris.
Visit LoneStar.edu/arts-nharris for more information and a complete listing of the college’s upcoming fine arts events. The LSC-North Harris Division of Fine Arts offers a variety of concerts, theatrical productions, art exhibitions and lectures, workshops and more throughout the year.
Lone Star College-North Harris is located at 2700 W.W. Thorne Drive, one-half mile south of FM 1960 East, between Aldine-Westfield and Hardy Roads. For more information about the college, call 281.618.5400 or visit LoneStar.edu/NorthHarris.
Lone Star College offers high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education to 95,000 students each semester. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area with an annual economic impact of $3.1 billion. LSC consists of six colleges, eight centers, two university centers, Lone Star Corporate College and LSC-Online. To learn more visit LoneStar.edu.
###