Grosse Pointe Theatre to Hold Dance Workshops and Auditions for Hairspray

Get out your dancing shoes! Grosse Pointe Theatre will be holding dance workshops for those interested in auditioning for Hairspray, Broadway's musical comedy phenomenon that inspired a motion picture and won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Grosse Pointe Theatre's production of Hairspray will be performed in May 2012 but preparations are well underway.

· Dance workshops will be held Tuesdays: Jan. 10, 17 and 24, from 7 - 10 p.m. at Grosse Pointe Theatre's Rehearsal Studio, located at 315 Fisher Rd. at Maumee, in Grosse Pointe Farms.

· Auditions for Hairspray will take place Saturday, Jan. 28, 1 - 5 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 29, 3 - 7 p.m., also at Grosse Pointe Theatre's Rehearsal Studio.

· Hairspray Performance Dates: May 6, 9-13 and 17- 20. Grosse Pointe Theatre performs its main stage productions at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial Fries Auditorium.

Director/Choreographer Timothy Higgins and Producer Chris Kaiser are looking forward to casting an enthusiastic and energized ensemble. The story takes place in 1962 in Baltimore. Teenager Tracy Turnblad, a happy-go-lucky, pleasantly plump high school student, loves to dance and wear hairstyles of the times. Her one desire is to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream finally comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star, but she must use her newfound power to vanquish the reigning Teen Queen Amber Von Tussle, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a Television network – all without denting her 'do! The show is packed with fun, yet brings home the timeless message of respecting others and doing the right thing.

Higgins, along with Co-choreographer Marcy Kazmirowski will teach the complimentary dance workshops. Although participating in the workshops won't guarantee a spot in the show, it will prepare participants for auditions and familiarize them with the high-energy style of dancing that will be in the production.

Scripts and music cuts are available by calling Grosse Pointe Theatre at 313-886-8901 or Chris Kaiser at 313-881-8040. To reserve tickets for Grosse Pointe Theatre productions call 313-881-4004.

Grosse Pointe Theatre Inc. is a nonprofit community theatre organization established in 1947 made up of volunteers dedicated to the presentation of theatrical excellence. The organization offers the community a diversified theatrical experience while providing its members with opportunities for participation and training in the theatre arts. For more information visit www.gpt.org.