TriArts Sharon Playhouse Presents HAIRSPRAY 8/4-21

TriArts Sharon Playhouse produces the feel-good musical Hairspray, beginning performances on August 4. The TriArts run continues through August 21, and features Al Bundonis in the role of Edna Turnblad. Joining Bundonis are Katie Sarno as Tracy Turnblad, Michael Britt as Wilbur, Amy LeBlanc as Velma, Kara Dombrowski as Amber, Frank Beaudry as Corny Collins, Kaitlyn Frank as Penny Pingleton, Michael Shultz as Link, Stephen Wormley as Seaweed, and Kelli Blackwell as Motormouth Maybelle.

Rounding out the cast are Malcolm Armwood, Grant Benedict, John Champion, Francine Ciccarelli, Kaylan Hayward, Chad Henke, April Holloway, Jenn-Elle Jacques-Louis, Jo'Lisa Jones, Jenna Kate Karn, Daniel McCarthy, Jarvis McDaniels, Darrel Purcell Jr, Sophia Sapronov, Becky Sawicki, Russ Sawicki, Megan Schwartz, Trevor Sideris, and Monica Williams.

A show about big dreams, big voices, and big hair; Hairspray takes place in 1960s Baltimore, Maryland. Teenager Tracy Turnblad's dream is to dance on a popular television show. When Tracy wins a role on the show she becomes an overnight sensation, but her popularity becomes controversial when addressing injustices of American society in the 1960s.

Hairspray features a score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan authored the book based on John Waters' film of the same title.

Hairspray opened on Broadway on Aug. 15, 2002. It won Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Score (Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman), Best Book (Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan), Best Actor in a Musical (Harvey Fierstein), Best Actress in a Musical (Marissa Jaret Winokur), Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Dick Latessa), Best Direction of a Musical (Jack O'Brien) and Best Costume Design (William Ivey Long).

Sarah Combs directs the production, with choreography by Cindi Parise. The production team includes scenic designer Erik Diaz, costume designer Lindsay Forde, lighting designer Chris Dallos, music director Lee Harris, and sound designer Graham Stone.

Tickets are available at the TriArts Box Office, by phone at 860-364-SHOW, or online at www.triarts.net. Subscription series, offering discounts for the season of musicals - 42nd Street, Rent, and Hairspray - are also available.

The 2011 Summer Season at TriArts features 42nd Street (June 23-July 10), Rent (July 15-24), and Hairspray (August 4-21). TriArts Sharon Playhouse (Alice Bemand, Executive Director; Michael Berkeley and John Simpkins, Artistic Directors) is a not-for-profit theatre, located in Litchfield County, Sharon, CT, at the foot of the Berkshires. In addition to producing mainstage musicals and many special events each summer season, TriArts also offers a summer youth theatre program, workshops and readings of new musicals, concerts, and special events throughout the year in its Bok Gallery. For more information on TriArts Sharon Playhouse, please visit www.triarts.net or call 860-364-SHOW (7469).