Playhouse Merced to Present HAIRSPRAY

Quirky, plus-sized teenager Tracy Turnblad (Katy Uyeno) has one dream: to dance on the "Corny Collins Show." When she gets put in detention with the African-American students in the school, they teach her some of their dance moves, and her new found groove wins her a spot on the show. Overnight, Tracy transforms from a nobody into a star, and uses her newfound influence to advocate for racial integration on the television show. The bright, energetic story of Tracy Turnblad teaches us all to look past the color of one's skin and fight for every human being's equal rights.

Hairspray opens Friday, February 5 and plays for three weekends through Sunday, February 21.

Tickets prices are $10 (students) and $15 - $22, depending on section.

Show times are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

You may purchase tickets by going online to www.playhousemerced.com, by calling (209) 725-8587, or visiting the box office at 452 West Main Street in downtown Merced, Tuesday through Saturday from 1-5 p.m.

PRINCIPLE CAST:
Tracy Turnblad - Katy Uyeno
Edna - Jim Kocher
Corny Collins - Ryan Dziadosz
Penny Pingleton - Rachel Pearre
Amber Von Tussle - Madison Mitchell
Velma Von Tussle - Dianne Kocher
Link Larkin - Baylor Browning
Seaweed J. Stubbs - GB Blackmon III
Little Inez - Niara Jones
Motormouth Maybelle - Elena Carter
Wilbur Turnblad - Austin Worden
Prudy Pingleton/Matron/Principal/Gym Teacher - Bridget Mitchell
Harriman F. Spritzer/Mr. Pinky - Pedro Lara

Hairspray celebrates Playhouse Merced's 22nd season in its downtown theater location. Playhouse Merced is a community-based, non-profit, 501(c) 3 organization seeking to entertain, educate and enlighten audiences. For more information, please visit www.playhousemerced.com.

Photo by Shawn Overton