Skylight Music Theatre Announces Nine Performances Added To HAIRSPRAY

Skylight Music Theatre today announced that due to overwhelming demand, nine additional performances have been added to Skylight's holiday show, Hairspray. The show, which opens Friday, November 16 will now run through Sunday, December 30, 2018 with special early bird and family-friendly performance times added throughout the run.

This bold, beloved blockbuster Broadway musical will be presented in Skylight's beautiful Cabot Theatre at the Broadway Theatre Center, 158 N. Broadway, in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward.

Skylight Artistic Director Ray Jivoff also announced that Bethany Thomas has been cast in the featured role of 'Motormouth Maybelle.' Thomas is currently starring in Songs for Nobodies, a one-woman show at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, where she was also seen in The Color Purple, Ain't Misbehavin' and Ragtime. Thomas, a recording artist who has appeared on Empire (FOX-TV) and in numerous productions in Chicago and Milwaukee, will make her Skylight Music Theatre debut. Motormouth Maybelle was played by Queen Latifiah in the 2007 film version of Hairspray and by Jennifer Hudson in the 2016 NBC Live broadcast.

Jivoff also announced the 17 area high school students who will perform in Hairspray's youth ensemble. "These talented teens from Milwaukee area high schools will be playing kids their own age in the show," said Jivoff. "A central storyline of Hairspray takes place at an American Bandstand-style TV dance show showcasing the infectious music and latest 1960s Baltimore dance hits."

Hairspray is the story of plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad who dreams of dancing on The Corny Collins Show, a dance show similar to American Bandstand. She wrestles with body image issues and bullying and undergoes a transformation from social outcast to sudden star. She uses her newfound power to integrate a TV network and win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin.

"Hairspray is a hilarious musical with depth and heart," said Jivoff. "It deals with important issues facing our community with wit, a great score, a diverse cast, exuberant dancing and memorable songs such as 'Good Morning Baltimore' and 'You Can't Stop the Beat.'"

Lili-Anne Brown will direct the show, making her Skylight debut. She is the former artistic director of Bailiwick Chicago, where her work garnered numerous awards. Most recently Brown directed an acclaimed production of Caroline, or Change at Firebrand Theatre in Chicago and will be Associate Director for a 2019 production of Next to Normal directed by Tony Award-winning director David Cromer at Writers Theatre in Chicago.

"There is nothing about Hairspray that doesn't make you smile," said Brown. "At the same time, this is a story about anti-racism and body-positivity. Hairspray has a heart of gold, with its message of accepting one another and being kind to one another."

The Broadway production of Hairspray won eight Tony Awards in 2003, including Best Musical. It features music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, with book by Mark O'Donnell & Thomas Meehan. Hairspray is based on the 1988 John Waters film.

For more information visit www.skylightmusictheatre.org, email info@skylightmusictheatre.org or call the Box Office at (414) 291-7800.
?Skylight Bar & Bistro Skylight Bar & Bistro is located on the second floor of The Broadway Theatre Center. It is open two hours before each performance in the Cabot Theatre and features gourmet dining and fine wine by Indulge Wine Room. Reservations for full table service are recommended and can be made in advance at www.skylightmusictheatre.org/bistro or by calling (414) 291-3773. Counter service is available without reservations.

Parking Vouchers on Sale Purchase discounted parking vouchers from the Broadway Theatre Center Box Office for use in the Historic Third Ward parking garage at 212 N. Milwaukee Street (one block east and one block north). Vouchers can be purchased for $5 during normal Box Office hours. Vouchers are valid between 5 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. for evening performances only. Voucher sales stop 30 minutes before showtime and are not available during intermission. No refunds.

Skylight Music Theatre's mission since 1959: To bring the full spectrum of music theatre works to a wide and diverse audience in celebration of the musical and theatrical arts and their reflection of the human condition. Skylight presents productions "Skylight Style" - bringing fresh approaches or interesting twists to music theatre works, creating meaningful connections, not only between the characters on stage but with the audience as well. The beautiful, intimate Cabot Theatre allows audiences to feel close to the powerful emotions on stage.