San Diego REP Announces Events Surrounding HAIRSPRAY, Opens 7/17

Grab a cocktail and head down to the Lyceum to learn all about the swingin' 60's from the REP's group of extraordinary scholars, artists and unforgettable personalities. San Diego REPertory Theatre will be launching the Southern California regional premiere of the big fat, gorgeous musical HAIRSPRAY with a series of show inspired surround events. Admission is free to those who purchase tickets to selected performances. HAIRSPRAY begins in previews on Saturday, July 17 at 8pm with an Opening Night performance on Friday, July 23 at 8pm and continues through Sunday, August 15, 2010.

Events Surrounding HAIRSPRAY:

Talkin' Theatre with Todd
Thursday, July 22 @ 7pm (prior to the 8pm show)
A glimpse behind the scenes of the making of Hairspray. REP Associate Artistic Director Todd Salovey speaks with the artists whose talent, passion, and craft make the musical come to life. Todd's guests include: choreographer Javier Velasco; actor Richard Trujillo, artistic director of the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts and Assistant Director for Hairspray; and Music Director Bill Doyle.

35th Season Opening Celebration
Friday, July 23 @ 6:30pm (prior to the 8pm show)
The opening night of Hairspray kicks off our amazing 35th season. Our lobby will transform for one night only. Guests will mingle with the cast and creators of Hairspray, enjoying delicious food and drinks from Gaslamp Quarter restaurants. Cocktail attire is recommended for this gala fundraising event. Tickets are $100 for premier seating and $75 for regular seating.

Sam's Salon: Unchain My Heart
Thursday, July 29 @ 7pm (prior to the 6pm show)
Two years before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was passed, what was life like for Americans-black and white-on the streets of America? Artistic Director Sam Woodhouse hosts personal testimony and provocative insights from three social activists: Ashley Walker, former executive director of the San Diego Human Relations Commission and facilitator of over 100 Study Circles on Race and Race Relations in San Diego; Mitzi Lizarraga, principal of the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts and former principal and CEO of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, D.C.; and Vernon Sukumu, longtime political and social activist who was the founding director of the San Diego Black Federation.

Meet the Artists
Friday, July 30 (after the 8pm show), and Wednesday, August 4 (after the 7pm show)
Stick around after the performance for a revealing and unpredictable conversation with the artists who have brought Hairspray to life.

Artist's Reception: Nelson de la Nuez
Saturday, August 7 @ 6:30pm (prior to the 8pm show)
Nelson De La Nuez is listed on the "Who's Who list of the Most Collected Artists of Our Time." His juxtaposition of "everything pop" reflects America's rich culture and history-inspired by art history, his vast study of various religions, astronomy and of course American pop culture. Join us for a reception with the artist- check out the exhibit and meet De La Nuez. The exhibit is co-presented by Legends Gallery in La Jolla. (legendsgallerylajolla.com)

So You Think Your Child Can Dance
Wednesday, August 4 @ 6pm (prior to the 7pm show)
The San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts is one of several performing arts magnet schools in the country. The schools gained recognition during the 1980's when the movie "Fame" and the television show by the same name were enormously popular. Have you wondered about the kind of experience your child can get at a school that focuses on the arts? Come meet Principal Mitzi Lizarraga and Artistic Director Richard Trujillo and learn about the unique learning environment their school provides.

It's All About the Hair!
Sunday, August 8 @ 6pm (prior to the 7pm show)
How many ways can you say "big hair?" Don't miss this interactive hair event hosted by the #1 Aveda Salon in San Diego! GILA RUT SALON will be rocking the house with some fabulous hair. Complimentary consultations and Aveda goodie bags!

How can I possibly make a difference?
Wednesday, August 11 @ 6pm (prior to the 7pm show)
How can one individual push back and help create real and positive change to combat injustice and discrimination? What difference can any one person make? Join Bernardo M. Ferdman, Ph.D., professor at Alliant International University's Marshall Goldsmith School of Management, REP trustee, and community leader, for a provocative and informative dialogue focusing on how each of us can play an essential role in creating more inclusive organizations, communities, and societies.

San Diego Repertory Theatre produces intimate, exotic, provocative theatre. We promote a more inclusive community through vivid works that nourish progressive political and social values and celebrate the multiple voices of our region. San Diego Repertory Theatre feeds the curious soul. To learn more about the San Diego Repertory Theatre, visit www.sdrep.org.

To post a comment, you must register and login.