Barn Theatre Production Of HAIRSPRAY Opens Tuesday, June 19th

Ready for something big??? The Barn Theatre School for Advanced Theatre Training presents the family-friendly musical HAIRSPRAY starring Robert Newman playing June 19 through July 1!

It's 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad (1st-year apprentice Rachel Grindle) has only one desire -- to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star! She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen (second-year apprentice Rachel Mahar), win affections of heartthrob Link Larkin (first-year apprentice Ian Lah), and integrate a TV network, all without denting her 'do! Rounding out the cast are Barn favorites Robert Newman as Edna Turnblad, Penelope Alex as Velma Von Tussle, Shinnerrie Jackson as Motormouth, Charlie King as Wilbur Turnblad, Jonnie Carpathios as Corny Collins and Kasady Kwiatkowska as Penny. Special guests include Michael Ray Fisher, Rendell DeBose and Sydni Jackson, as well as newcomers Este'Fan Kizer, Kamryn Kimbrough and Harvey. Also featured in the cast are Equity residents Andrea Arvanigian as Prudy Pingleton, John Jay Espino as Harriman F. Spritzer, and Patrick Hunter as the Principal as well as the entire Barn company.

HAIRSPRAY is chock full of toe-tapping Sixties-style production numbers and downtown rhythm and blues including "Good Morning Baltimore," "Welcome to the 60's," "Run and Tell That," "I Can Hear the Bells" "You Can't Stop the Beat" to name a few.

Based on the 1988 film of the same name by cult filmmaker John Waters, HAIRSPRAY won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical in 2002. Running for 2,642 performances HAIRSPRAY was adapted into film in 2007 starring John Travolta.

Barn Theatre performances for HAIRSPRAY are Tuesday - Saturday at 8:00 pm and Sunday at 5:00 pm June 19 through July 1.

The Backstage Xperience program will be offered for HAIRSPRAY- June 21, 22, 27, 28, 29. For details and registration call 269-731-1151. Space limited. The Backstage Xperience is an interactive, free opportunity for children K - 12 and is sponsored by Eaton and Fetzer Institute.

The Barn Theatre School and Eaton are proud to present an American Sign Language interpreted performance of HAIRSPRAY on Wednesday, June 27th.

HAIRSPRAY is directed by Hans Friedrichs. Kasady Kwiatkowska is Choreographer with Matt Shabala as Musical Director. Set design by Samantha Snow. Costumes are designed by Taylor Burke. Properties are by Sam Rudy. Lights are designed by Michael McShane, Luke Ragotzy has designed the sound and Crysta Menefee Gsellman is wig/hair master. Technical Director is John Dobson.

Enjoy refreshments in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge with friends before, during intermission and after the show. Enjoy a light snack while being entertained by the cabaret-style show in the Rehearsal Shed Lounge after the main stage performance. *NEW THIS SEASON* Make your bar show reservations online - now, for the entire summer. No need to wait in line before the show. Dinner's Nightly! Rotated catering by Schuler's, GMC of Galesburg, Millennium Events and The Kitchen House of Richland. Call Box office for dinner reservations. 269 -731-4121.

The Barn Theatre is located on M-96, west of Augusta. Tickets range from $39 - $48 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under for all performances. Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted. Group rates available. The Box Office is open daily 10:00 am-10:00 pm. Tickets may now be purchased online. To reserve tickets at the Box Office - Call today: (269) 731-4121 or visit www.barntheatreschool.org