What's Happening in the Arts: Local Talent to Star in Hairspray

Alfred Hitchcock once said, "Drama is life with the dull bits cut out."

Well, for local resident Justin Warner Madfes, drama is definitely life and dull is a word that doesn't come often in his vocabulary. It's no secret that the performing arts are in his deck of cards.

With previous credits in Pinole Young Actors, the City of Pinole's School of Performing Arts and the Pinole Community Players, Justin has taken on roles such as Nicely Nicely in Guys and Dolls,  Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Charlie Brown in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown and the Artful Dodger in Oliver!

Now looking to pursue more knowledge and experience on and off stage, Justin is taking performance classes at San Francisco State and Diablo Valley College, teaching Broadway Dance on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at . in Pinole, and is currently starring as a member of the ensemble in the Contra Costa Musical Theatre's production of Hairspray at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek.

Attending an audition with over 300 actors from the ages of 13 and up, Justin made the cut and is ready to entertain both your eyes and ears with a rendition of one of Broadway's biggest musicals about life, love and the pursuit of hairdo happiness.

"I'm ready to start this next chapter in my life, and I wouldn't know where I would want to go with theater if it hadn't been for the Pinole theater and all of the amazing people, teachers and friends I've met," said Justin.

Hairspray is playing March 18-April 16.  For more hair-raising and do0-wop information, contact (925) 943-SHOW or lesherartscenter.org.

See a sneak peek on YouTube or on the Contra Costa Musical Theatre site.

Don't be left behind without a ticket or a can of well, hairspray.