Unity Discussion Part Of This Weekend's 'Hairspray Jr.' Performances In Moorestown

MOORESTOWN, NJ — As part of its message of unity and inclusion, the Moorestown Theater Company will host a Unity Panel Discussion between performances of “Hairspray Jr.” on Saturday, March 18.

The discussion begins at about 4:30 p.m., following the 2 p.m. performance of “Hairspray Jr.,” at the William Allen Middle School, 801 North Stanwick Road, and will last about an hour.

The second Saturday performance is scheduled for 7 p.m.

• Reverend Jonathan Leath, Lead Pastor, Destiny Church of Moorestown;
• Reverend Linda Pepe, Pastor, First Baptist Church of Moorestown;
• David Snyder, Executive Director, Jewish Community Relations Council; and
• Munira Wells, Asst. Professor of Nursing, Seton Hall Univ., and a Naturalized US Citizen from India.

Moorestown Theater Company Artistic Director Mark Morgan and MooreUnity Chairperson Karen Reiner will host

The panel’s focus is to discuss the unifying nature of humanity while acknowledging (and celebrating!) differences by asking these questions:

1. As Tracy’s dream of dancing on The Corny Collins Show comes true, she becomes aware of the injustices faced by her African-American friends who are barred from the show. Tracy, who is white, shows active allyship and solidarity with the black community in segregated Baltimore. She stands up for what she believes in and inspires others to do the same. What are some ways that people can do this today?

2. What are 1-2 things you wish people from different races knew about your culture and race? What can each of us do to help people appreciate their own and others‟ individuality and identities?

3. Does Moorestown do a good job in including people of all races, faiths and socioeconomic levels into the life and activities in our community? What kinds of events would you like to see done in our town to help explore the wonderful diversity in our town? What can we do to ensure that we are inclusive of others?

4. How well does your spiritual community help to foster unity in our town? Do they help to educate and expose or do they subconsciously reinforce our differences?

To attend the Unity Panel Discussion, audience members must purchase a ticket to “Hairspray, Jr.,” which they can do at www.MoorestownTheaterCompany.org, or in the lobby 60 minutes before curtain time. Call MTC at 856-778-8357 with any questions or to get more information about the Unity Panel Discussion.

The Moorestown Theater Company is looking to deliver a message of unity and inclusiveness with its next three productions, beginning with “Hairspray Jr.”

“Hairspray Jr.,” tells the story of one girl’s dream to dance and change the world that, until she gets involved, actually has a “Negro Day" on the local televised dance show.

Williams not only moderates the panel, he performs in the show, which includes a record-breaking cast of 99 actors, including 24 minorities.

The show opened Thursday night, and continues with a Friday night performance, 7 p.m.

The final two performances are set for Sunday, March 19, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

The theme of inclusion continues with the theater company’s performances of “Shrek Jr.” and “13.”

Tickets for all three musicals are reserved, and can be purchased at www.MoorestownTheaterCompany.org, or at the door in the lobby 60 minutes before curtain time. The theater will open 30 minutes before each curtain time.

Call the Moorestown Theater Company at 856-778-8357 with any questions or to get group rate information.

The attached image depicting 87 of the 99 cast members in the theater company’s production of “Hairspray Jr.” was provided by the Moorestown Theater Company.