MUSICAL theatre lovers are in for a treat as Hairspray comes to Gqeberha from Wednesday, September 20 to Saturday, October 7 at the Savoy Theatre.
This Tony Award-winning musical is one of the most widely produced musicals all over the world, not only because of its humour and charm but also the message to look past the colour of one’s skin and fight for every human being’s equal rights.
Auditions for Hairspray took place in June and young, star-in-the-making, Hannah Stiglingh won
the coveted role of Tracy Turnblad. Since then, the Production Team and Cast have been hard
at work belting out songs and learning fancy footwork in preparation for opening night.
Last year’s production of Matilda the Musical, is a hard act to follow however the PEG&S Society hopes to hit new heights with Hairspray and has assembled a top-class production team led by veteran local producer, director and actor Rose Cowpar.
“This is such a wonderful moment for me as I first saw the show in New York in 2002 and have loved it ever since,” said Cowpar.
She says that audiences can expect a fantastic, fun show with some great songs and lots of high-energy dancing.
“The show is so relevant and important both in terms of the background in 1962 USA and the fight against racial segregation and the theme of acceptance and celebration of every individual.”
Musical Director Dario Broccardo returns for his third G&S show and 17-year-old Ashleigh Maling-Nel debuted as choreographer for Music! Movies! Magic! in January, takes on her biggest challenge to date, alongside Matilda choreographer Darren Rockman.
In 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, our heroine, feisty, plus-sized, Tracy Turnblad, has one dream: to
be one of the dancers on “The Corny Collins Show” When she gets put in detention due to her sky-high beehive, she meets the African-American students who teach her some of their dance
moves. Her newfound groove wins her a spot on Corny’s show and overnight, Tracy transforms
from a nobody into a star, and uses her newfound fame to fight for racial integration on the
television show.
Hairspray runs from the 20th of September to the 7th of October with evening and matinee
performances. Tickets are available through Webtickets both online and at PicknPay for just
R160 or just R120 for our special Family Shows on Saturday 23rd at 2.00 pm, and the evening
shows on 26th and 27th September.
Follow the Port Elizabeth Gilbert and Sullivan Society on Facebook for behind-the-scenes.
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