Lewis University's Philip Lynch Theatre presents "Hairspray"

Lewis University’s Philip Lynch Theatre (PLT) presents “Hairspray,” by Mark O’Donnell, Thomas Meehan, March Shaiman and Scott Wittman.  The musical comedy phenomenon that inspired a major motion picture is coming to the PLT with performances on July 15 – 17 and July 21 – 24.  The show enjoyed six years on Broadway and won eight 2003 Tony Awards.

It’s 1962 – the 50s are out and change is in the air.  Baltimore’s Tracy Turnblad (Rachel Slowik of Bolingbrook), a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion – to dance.  She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, The Corny Collins Show (Matt Colbert of Plainfield) and is transformed overnight from outsider to teen celebrity. 

Tracy's mother had been portrayed by Divine in the original 1988 film by John Waters, and PLT production director Keith White of Joliet liked the idea of maintaining the tradition of casting a male as Edna Turnblad (Lewis alumnus John Michael Quinn of Lombard.)  Edna is devoted to her daughter and husband, Wilbur (Ryan Flynn of Homer Glen.)

Motormouth Maybelle, (Monisa Letrice Victrum of Joliet) the rhyme-happy DJ for The Corny Collins Show is Tracy's vehicle to fame. The show's scheming producer Velma Von Tussle (Jillian Kelm of Lockport) and her bratty daughter, Amber (Mollyanne Nunn of Crete) reject Tracy.  However, teen heart throb Link Larkin (Michael Friar of Tinley Park) and Tracy’s friends Penny Pingleton (Kate Sisto of Orland Park) and Seaweed J. Stubbs (LaRon Grant of Bolingbrook) assist in the crusade to integrate a local TV dance show in 1962 Baltimore.

Additional members of the cast include:  Becky Buechel, Becky Hicks, Joshua Hills, DeAndre McNeal, Charles Lovett, Tammy M. Perkins, Tanicia Rouse-Nelson, Mike Sansone all of Joliet; La’Shaun Stallings and Michelle Price both of Lockport; Karine Ivy and Sabra Thomas both of Bolingbrook; Nicholas Grammas of Homer Glen, Sarah McKevitt of Orland Park, Alex Baloy of Shorewood, Warren C. Dailey of Minooka, RJ Cecott of Oak Lawn, Chris Selefski of Plainfield and Jessica Luckett of Minneapolis, MI. 

            Thomas J. Secor and Jeni Donahue both of Joliet provide the musical direction and choreography, respectively.  Scenic designer/technical director and Lewis alumnus Andrew Nelsen, resident costume designer Celeste Mackey, both of Joliet, and lighting designer John Sanchez of Evanston, and assistant technical director Dave Pomatto of Naperville provide artistic collaboration.  Other members of the production staff include:  Melissa Chicola of Lockport (stage manager), Ashley Daun of New Lenox (assistant stage manager), Amanda Foresta of Steger (properties), Stephanie Roberts of Lockport (assistant properties), Noah Slowik of Joliet (light board operator), Jessie Richey of McHenry and Jackie Staszak of Braidwood (sound and microphones), Emily Lif and Emily Moritz both of Lockport (follow spot operators), Lisa Wojcik of Plainfield and Rachel Thomas of Bolingbrook (dressers), Sean Knowles of Lockport and Saul Ortega of Bolingbrook (backstage crew), Sandy Bednarz of Woodridge (box office) and Stephanie Daley of Lockport (house manager).

Evening performances begin at 8 P.M. Sunday matinees begin at 2:30 P.M.  In addition to the Saturday evening performances, there will be a 4 P.M. Saturday matinee performance on July 23.  Tickets are $12 for adults and $11 for seniors/students/children.  Tickets are $10 for groups of fifteen or more, a savings of more than 10 percent off the original ticket price.

            The running time of the production is approximately 2 ½ hours and is recommended ages 13 and up.  Advanced ticket purchases are strongly encouraged.  Tickets are non-refundable.  For more information, call the PLT box office at (815) 836-5500, Monday thru Friday from 1-4:30 P.M.  In addition, patrons can check out the PLT Web site www.lewisu.edu/plt or e-mail the box office at boxoffice@lewisu.edu.  The Philip Lynch Theatre is located on the main campus of Lewis University on Route 53 in Romeoville. 

            Lewis University is a Catholic university offering distinctive undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 6,000 traditional and adult students. Lewis offers multiple campus locations, online degree programs, and a variety of formats that provide accessibility and convenience to a growing student population. Sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers, Lewis prepares ethically grounded, globally aware, and socially responsible graduates. The Princeton Review and U.S. News&World Report have nationally recognized the ninth largest not-for-profit university in Illinois, Lewis. Visit www.lewisu.edu <https://webmail.lewisu.edu/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.lewisu.edu> for further information.

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Pictured: John Michael Quinn as Edna Turnbald and Rachel Slowik as Tracy.