HAIRSPRAY Opens 8/17 at the Moonlight Amphitheatre

HAIRSPRAY, the most anticipated musical theatre event of the summer, comes to the stage of the Moonlight Amphitheatre as part of Moonlight Stage Productions' 31st Summer Season. HAIRSPRAY is the Broadway musical phenomenon that inspired a major motion picture and captured eight Tony Awards including Best Musical in 2003. Now, for the first time at Moonlight, audiences will be swept away to 1960s Baltimore in this smash-hit musical that's piled bouffant-high with comedy and music. Tickets are priced $22-$50 and are on sale now through the VisTix Ticket Office at (760) 724-2110 and online at moonlightstage.com.

In HAIRSPRAY, it's 1962 - the 50s are "out" and change is in the air. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion - to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, "The Corny Collins Show," and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a plus-sized trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her ‘do? Combined with such hit numbers as You Can't Stop the Beat; Big, Blonde and Beautiful, Nicest Kids in Town, and Welcome to the 60s, are themes of teen rebellion, and triumph over adversity. Because of the show's mature themes, the production is recommended as rated PG-13.

HAIRSPRAY is based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters and features a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan with a score by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. Directing is the award-winning director Steven Glaudini who has directed Moonlight's recent hit productions of MISS SAIGON, CATS, LES MISÉRABLES (2008 San Diego Critics Circle Award for Best Director), WEST SIDE STORY (2007 San Diego Critics Award Outstanding Musical), CABARET, and CHILDREN OF EDEN. Choreographing the production is John Vaughan, who returns to the Moonlight having choreographed or directed previous productions of CRAZY FOR YOU, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN, EVITA, THE Will Rogers FOLLIES, GUYS AND DOLLS, and many others. Marking her 39th Moonlight production as musical director, Elan McMahan brings her musical expertise to the stage in addition to the orchestra pit as HAIRSPRAY'S conductor. The creative team is rounded out with Carlotta Malone, Roslyn Lehman, and Renetta Lloyd (Costume Coordinators), Jean-Yves Tessier (Lighting Designer), Byron J. Batista (Wig Designer), Peter Hashagen (Sound Designer), Suzanne Asebroek (Properties Coordinator), Tim Jones (Assistant Stage Manager), and Stanley D. Cohen (Stage Manager).

The cast includes: Amy Beth Batchelor (Brenda), Kathleen Calvin (Lorraine), Sandy Campbell* (Prudy Pingleton/Matron/Gym Teacher), Kenji Crockett (Gilbert), Doug Davis (Wilbur Turnblad), Mary Allison Dunsmore (Shelley), David Engel* (Corny Collins), Randall S. Hickman (Edna Turnblad), Kristen Lamoureux (Penny Pingleton), Chester Lockhart (IQ), Tracy Lore* (Velma Von Tussle), Nick Lorenzini (Fender), Shantá Marie (Little Inez), Jessica Mason (Dynamite), Cara McMorrow (Lou Ann), Kimberly Moore (Dynamite), Dominique Petit Frere (Duane), Pierre Petit Frere (Thad), Nathan Riley (Seaweed J. Stubbs), Jeanine Robinson* (Motormouth Maybelle), Lauren Smolka (Amber Von Tussle), Jamie Snyder (Harriman F. Spritzer/Principal/Mr. Pinky), Neil Starkenberg (Link Larkin), Clay Stefanki (Brad), Veronica Stevens (Tammy), Matthew Thurmond (Sketch), Karyn Yvonne (Dynamite), and Kim Zolozabal (Tracy Turnblad).

*denotes member, Actor's Equity Association.

The Moonlight Amphitheatre is nestled in the hillsides of the 85-acre Brengle Terrace Park, owned by the City of Vista. The Moonlight offers one of the most unique theatre-going experiences offered anywhere in San Diego County. Patrons can enjoy a performance from either the lawn with chairs supplied by the theatre, or from a reserved seat. Pre-show dining options include patrons bringing their own picnic suppers into the theatre, or they can enjoy a reserved table on the Patio and then sample a delicious buffet dinner where the menu changes with each performance. For buffet dinner reservations, phone (760) 758-1063.

Closing the 31st Summer Season at the Moonlight Amphitheatre is the San Diego premiere of the hit Off-Broadway musical THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTTES (September 14-October 1 at 7:30 pm). Starring are Moonlight favorites Bets Malone and Misty Cotton.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call (760) 724-2110 or visit moonlightstage.com.

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