The Nicest Kids In WNC Tease Up Their Hair And Twist And Shout In HAIRSPRAY JR.

Hendersonville Community Theatre will shake and shimmy when students from Henderson, Buncombe, Polk, and Transylvania counties perform Hairspray JR. opening July 20 and running through August 5 on the theatre's Main Stage. Tickets are $15 and are available online at HendersonvilleTheatre.org or by calling the Box Office at (828) 692-1082. Hairspray JR. is presented by Champion Comfort Experts of Hendersonville.

The family-friendly show captures the spirit and turmoil of 1962 Baltimore through laughter, dance, romance, and deliriously tuneful songs. Hairspray JR. also includes the important message: that acceptance comes in all shapes, sizes, and nationalities.

The story follows Tracy Turnblad, a full-figured girl with full-figured hair and a big heart, who has only one passion - to dance. When her determination and rock 'n roll moves land her a spot on a local television dance program, "The Corny Collins Show," she is transformed from an outsider to an irrepressible teen celebrity. This trendsetter in dance and fashion uses her fame to win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, challenge the program's reigning princess Amber, and rally against racial segregation...all without denting her 'do.

HCT's summer youth musical is directed by Colby Coren and Tasha Pepi, with musical director by Lenora Thorn. Cast and student crew includes Sage Albert, Sammy Anchia, Karsyn Andress, Cassidy Bowen, Jaylan Brinson (Amber Von Tussle), Celia Butterworth (Tracy Turnblad), Frank Davis, Laney Estes, Claire Estes, Gage Filipovic, Natalie Folk, Alex Guazzo (Edna Turnblad), Jeffrey Guazzo, Ashlie Hanke, Jayla Harris, Brendan Henby, Ella Henby, Sarah Henby, Zach Henby, AJ Hernandez, Jillian Hyder, Alyce Hyder, Jonah Jakubielski, Helene Johnston, Chloe Kendall, Emma Kent, Kailand Maxwell (Seaweed Stubbs), Hadley Melton, Raelie Melton, Ava Memolo, Justin Mendoza, Oliviah Miller, Kai Newsome, Chloe Ostman (Motormouth Maybelle), Claire Packer, Paige Pearson, Landen Pepi, Josephine Rodriguez (Velma Von Tussle), Joseph Sherer (Corny Collins), Claudia Sturgell, Lily Sutton, Jack Terry, Gracie Todd, Devon West, Logan Wetherington, Amanda Jane Whiting, Rebekah Wilson.

With a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman, Hairspray JR. is based on the 1988 New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, which inspired the "bouffant" Broadway production which ran for over 2,500 performances and won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical. New Line Cinema released a film adaptation of the stage version, starring John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, and Queen Latifah.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. There will be a complimentary opening night pre-show party and reception on July 20 starting at 6:30.

Hairspray JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Hendersonville Community Theatre is celebrating its 53rd season as Hendersonville's official community theater. HCT provides an inviting and nurturing environment, as well as high-quality, affordable entertainment for the residents of Hendersonville and surrounding areas.

Hendersonville Community Theatre is located at 229 South Washington Street. For tickets or more information contact us at 828-692-1082 or online at HendersonvilleTheatre.org