Interview: Monique Franz On Playing Motormouth Maybelle in HAIRSPRAY at OFC Creations Theatre

OFC Creations Theatre opens its 2026-2027 Broadway in Brighton Series with HAIRSPRAY, the eight-time Tony Award-winning musical, running September 24 through October 11, 2026 at the OFC Creations Theatre Center in Rochester. Set in 1962 Baltimore, the big and bold show follows lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad as she chases her dream of dancing on the popular Corny Collins Show and works to integrate a local TV network, all set to a beloved score including 'Welcome to the Sixties,' 'Good Morning Baltimore,' and 'You Can't Stop the Beat.' The production is directed by OFC Artistic Director Eric Vaughn Johnson and choreographed by Jasón N. Wells.

Making her OFC Creations debut as Motormouth Maybelle is Monique Franz, a writer, publisher, and actress whose background bridges the page and the stage. The founder of Kinsman Avenue Publishing and Kinsman Black Box, Franz served as former Head Performing Arts Instructor at the International Academy of Film & Television of Hong Kong, and her credits span choreography, playwriting, and teaching, including previous work as a teaching artist at OFC.

BroadwayWorld spoke with Franz about the striking parallels between her own life and Motormouth's, the enduring relevance of the role today, and the vocal challenges of stepping into one of musical theatre's most powerful voices.

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What drew you to audition for Motormouth Maybelle in this production of HAIRSPRAY at OFC Creations Theatre Center?

I was recruited by my friend and OFC owner, Eric, who I have worked with in the past for OFC theater events. I believe that Eric reached out to me because of the similarities I have with the character. Both Motormouth Maybelle and I are sassy, Black businesswomen who wear our faith proudly and advocate boldly for equality.

Since this marks your debut with OFC Creations, how has your experience been working with this company so far?

I have worked at OFC Creations as a teaching artist, mainly because teaching the youth and mentorship is my "jam" more than being onstage. However, what I appreciate about OFC is the excellence in which they operate to bring arts to the youth and to the community.

Motormouth Maybelle is such a powerful, message-driven role. How do you approach embodying her strength and conviction on stage?

As I mentioned, Motormouth and I have a lot in common. I am a powerful, message-driven woman. The strength and conviction that was written in her fictional role was ordained for my actual existence. Motormouth uses her influence to advocate for racial equality and to inspire others to do the same. In my day-to-day profession, I champion underrepresented creatives to advocate and inspire others to do the same.

What has the rehearsal process been like for you in preparing to play Motormouth Maybelle?

Motormouth has a big mouth and broad singing range. Well, I have the big mouth, but Maybelle's range is a whole 'nother story. So, most of my rehearsal time has been trying to find the balance of stretching my vocal range and finding my authentic voice in the songs as well.

What do you hope audiences take away from this production of HAIRSPRAY at OFC Creations?

The message of HAIRSPRAY is still relevant in our world today. The segregation and racial tensions that Baltimore experiences in the script mirror those that are still present in Rochester. We've come a long way in race relations, body image, and overall acceptance of marginalized communities, but as Motormouth sings, there's still "a struggle we have yet to win."

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