HAIRSPRAY at Academy for the Performing Arts

The Academy for the Performing Arts proudly opens its 2025–2026 season with the high-energy Broadway hit Hairspray, performing at the Chagrin Falls Performing Arts Center. Directed by Dan Hendrock, this vibrant production bursts with laughter, heart, and the unstoppable rhythm that celebrates acceptance, individuality, and the courage to stand up for what’s right.

Set in 1960s Baltimore, Hairspray follows the story of Tracy Turnblad, played by Lucy Hopkins, a big-hearted teen with big hair and even bigger dreams who dances her way onto local television—and into social change. She’s joined by Max Canonico as the lovable Edna Turnblad, Griffin Goff as Wilbur Turnblad, Bailey Bryant as the soulful Motormouth Maybelle, Ms. Riann Brown as Seaweed J. Stubbs, and Legend Young as Little Inez. Rounding out the cast are Carson Adelstein as Penny Pingleton, Mary Sirl as Prudy Pingleton, Roman Kline-Bossman as Link Larkin, Maya Ochiai as Corny Collins, Eliza Gonzales as Amber Von Tussle, and Charlotte Rohr as Velma Von Tussle. An ensemble of more than twenty-five Academy students adds dynamic movement, harmonies, and humor to every scene.

Featuring dazzling choreography, detailed scenic design, and a large LED video wall that immerses audiences in the colorful world of 1960s Baltimore, Hairspray is a joyful celebration of community and change. Backed by a live professional pit orchestra, the show’s beloved score—featuring hits like “Good Morning Baltimore,” “Welcome to the ’60s,” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat”—will have audiences on their feet.

The Academy for the Performing Arts is a two-year college preparatory program within the Excel TECC Career Technical Education consortium. Located in Chagrin Falls, the Academy draws students from 11 Northeast Ohio school districts to study acting, design, and technical theatre. The program provides hands-on experience in both stage and film production, helping students develop the creative, collaborative, and professional skills needed to succeed in the performing arts and beyond.

Performances of Hairspray will be held at the Chagrin Falls Performing Arts Center on Thursday, October 23 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, October 25 at 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, October 26 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are available online at www.chagrinacademy.org.

Join us for this uplifting musical celebration of courage, change, and the power of dance—because in Hairspray, everyone deserves to be seen and heard.