Civil Rights Meets 60's Pop in HAIRSPRAY

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Photos: Sonce Landa

Using humor, music, and dance to tackle serious issues of racism, bullying, and body-shaming, Northwest Cook County’s Spotlight Youth Theater presents Hairspray, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical. Performances run May 27-June 3 at Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St. Des Plaines.

“This show cracks me up! There are so many jokes, one right after another,” says assistant director Miriam Napponelli. “Hairspray deals with tough, intense issues through humor.”

Set in 1962 Baltimore, the show follows lovable, plus-sized teen Tracy Turnblad, who has only one desire - to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network, all without “denting her 'do!”

“Hairspray is a rare production that shines a spotlight on huge issues that students and adults alike are still facing today,” says director Taylor Kras. “We have weekly cases of bullying in schools, civil rights are again at the forefront of political debates, and the news is plastered with cases of racism from government and entertainment to our schools and our own backyards. People are called names, hurt, disrespected, unwelcomed, and unloved. As performers, we get to say that the fight is worth it, and one day it will be won.”

With upbeat sixties-style rock ‘n’ roll music, featuring both the perky “Nicest Kids in Town” ditties and the more soulful “Groovy Kids” renditions, audiences will enjoy a toe-tapping show filled with big dance numbers, and talented solo performances.

Precious Greaves plays “Motormouth” Maybell. “This show hits very sensitive topics that affect us today, like being overweight, or not being the social norm. It brings it to light in a playful way, and says that God made us all beautiful, so these things don’t really matter.”
Tracy’s character has a hopeful, positive outlook, and she lifts up everyone she encounters just by being herself and liking herself for who she is. She has an impact on everyone from her mother Edna to the whole city of Baltimore. She even catches the eye of Link, who does some growing of his own.

“Link is at that age,” says Kras, “where he has to figure out who he is verses who everyone wants him to be. I think that everyone goes through that at some time in their lives.”

“This show makes me feel and comfortable with who I am,” says Greaves, “and it reminds me that my best version of me is enough.”

Spotlight Youth Theater has been producing shows at Prairie Lakes Theater in Des Plaines since 2002. They are known for large casts of amazingly talented performers and high quality, family-focused entertainment. In keeping with Spotlights family friendly policies, minor edits have been made to Hairspray to make it even more accessible to younger audiences than other recent productions in the area.

Spotlight also focuses on building a community of young adults who support each other. “I always felt called by God to give back to the community after getting my acting degree,” says Naponelli. “I wanted to focus on the hearts of kids. I had parents who were completely supportive. That is not the case with everyone when it comes to theater. Spotlight is the perfect place to mentor these wonderful young people.”
“Spotlight friends created my community, and now we are doing a show that is ABOUT community, and the diversity in it,” adds Kras.

Hairspray’s message of love and acceptance no matter your size, shape, or color will hit home for any youth or adults who have felt the weathering effects of unkindness. Add bright, colorful costumes and staging, with great songs and big laughs, and you just “can’t stop the beat!”

You won’t want to miss this Tony Award-winning musical full of laughter, romance, and fun for the whole family! To purchase tickets, call 847-516-2298 or visit www.spotlight.org. Tickets are $9-$12 presale, + $2 at the door, and group, child, and senior prices available. The Prairie Lakes Theater seats only 300, so shows sell out very quickly.