Raleigh Little Theatre's 2014-15 Sutton Series Kicks Off with HAIRSPRAY, 8/22

Raleigh Little Theatre's 2014-15 Sutton Series begins with Hairspray, opening August 22nd. The musical is directed by LD Burris, a longtime member of Chuck Davis' African American Dance Ensemble, who last directed Once On This Island in 2012.

The year is 1962 and Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad is going to do whatever it takes to dance her way onto TV's most popular show. Can a big girl with big dreams--and even bigger hair--turn the whole town around and still have time to win the boy she loves?

"We were delighted that 167 people turned out to audition for this production, which was the number one choice of our volunteers to produce in the current season," said Charles Phaneuf, Executive Director.

RLT will also partner with The Monti for the first time during the run of Hairspray. The Monti is a Triangle-based nonprofit that invites people from the community to tell personal stories without the use of notes. They will present three events on the topic Bridging Gaps - a curated storytelling night on August 24, a free storytelling workshop by Executive Director Jeff Polish on August 27, and a StorySLAM on August 31. Tickets are required for all three events, though the workshop is free.

Hairspray is sponsored by First Citizens Bank, with opening night sponsored by Sweet T Salon and the first Saturday sponsored by Physios. Tickets for all events can be purchased by calling the box office (919)-821-3111, Monday through Friday, noon-5 PM, or by visiting the theatre's website at www.raleighlittletheatre.org. Hairspray runs from August 22-September 7. Evening shows (Thu-Sat) are at 8:00 PM; Sunday matinees are at 3 PM.

Raleigh Little Theatre is located at 301 Pogue St., Raleigh, N.C. 27607, adjacent to the Raleigh Rose Garden.