Let us spray – the cast of Hairspray.
Te Awamutu College’s production of Hairspray has finished its run in a sea of sequins and song.
Drama teacher and show director Morag Carter said messages left following every performance during the season which finished at the weekend included congratulations to performers, the band and costumes, lighting and sound,
“The students have done a fantastic job, working together over the last 15 weeks to pull together an outstanding show,” she said.
“Being a young cast – only nine year 12 and 13 students were in the cast – there have been some steep learning curves, but they’ve risen to the challenge and surpassed everyone’s expectations.”
The show, set in Baltimore, US, in 1962 follows Tracey Turnblad who uses newfound celebrity status to champion diversity and inclusion.
Three of the most challenging roles were taken on by Zoey Blake, Denzel Stevens, and Stella Wills (Motormouth Maybelle).
Zoey (Year 9) and took on central role of Tracey.
“I decided to audition for Tracy in Hairspray because I’d seen the movie I was inspired by her message of equality and self-love.”
Stella (Year 12) had never done a show before.
“I really liked musical theatre already, so when Miss Carter approached me to audition, I decided to give it a go. Since then it’s been a really fun production, and as someone who’s been profiled in the past, the themes of racism really spoke to me. It’s been empowering to play someone who was able to overcome those struggles”
Denzel (Year 12) is a familiar face in Te Awamutu productions and took on the challenge of playing Edna; the mother figure usually played by a man since it was originated by Harvey Fierstein in 2002 and reimagined on film by John Travolta in 2007.
“Everybody has embraced me playing Edna and often comment that I can walk in heels better than they can. But they are also very aware that the character I’m playing is not a reflection of who I am as a person,” he said.
By the numbers – there were more than 200 hours of rehearsal by 31 student performers, eight student musicians were supported by seven adult musicians, 23 student technicians were supported by four adult professionals under the guidance of three teachers – and there were five shows over four days to an audience totalling almost 11,000.
Morag Carter said she appreciated the support from Te Awamutu – “we look forward to watching these talented students develop their talents over the coming years”.
Let us spray – the cast of Hairspray.
