Syracuse Stage to Host Holiday Drives During HAIRSPRAY

During the run of Hairspray, Syracuse Stage is asking patrons to please consider bringing non-perishable food items and winter coats/gloves/hats for local families in need.

Non-perishable food items will benefit the pantry at Grace Episcopal Church, 819 Madison Street in Syracuse, NY. Suggested food items include canned stew/soup, canned meats/tuna, canned vegetables, canned fruit, canned beans, canned sauce, baby food or formula, dry pasta, baking mix, peanut butter, jelly, breakfast cereals, oatmeal, grits, and rice.

Winter coats, gloves, and hats of all sizes are being collected for families of Franklin Elementary School in the Syracuse City School District.

In addition, following each performance, Hairspray cast members are collecting donations to support services for people living with HIV or AIDS. Donations will support The DePalmer House (a transitional living center in Syracuse for homeless adults with HIV/AIDS), the Pediatric AIDS Unit at SUNY Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital, and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

The Tony Award-winning musical Hairspray performs through the holiday season, now through January 4 in the Archbold Theatre at the Syracuse Stage/Drama Complex, 820 East Genesee Street. Local critics have praised Hairspray as a "can't miss event in Syracuse this Holiday season," "sensational," and "enthralling from open to close." Tickets and info are available at www.syracusestage.org.

Hairspray is a co-production with Syracuse University's Department of Drama in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. The Presenting Sponsor for Hairspray is Onondaga County/CNY Arts. Sponsors are Key Bank, The Allyn Foundation, Grandma Brown Foundation, and Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. The Media Sponsor is WAER Syracuse Public Media. The 2014/15 Season Sponsor is Syracuse Media Group.