Blonsky Surprises at GN 'Hairspray' Movie Screening

Students in a Great Neck Arts Center special needs class enjoyed a screening of the 2007 movie “Hairspray" last week with the star of the film, Great Neck’s own Nikki Blonsky.

Arranged by Brooke Greiff, a special needs teacher at GNAC, students in the Dinner, Music and Art Class, ages 19-21, enjoyed the film along with popcorn donated by nearby Clearview Squire Cinemas.

The surprise meet-and-greet with Blonsky, who portrayed heroine Tracy Turnblad in the movie, made for an exciting and memorable evening for the students who were thrilled a picture and autograph session with the actress, according to an arts center press release.

“We are so proud of our special needs art classes and of the outstanding commitment that the teacher, Brooke Greiff, has to her students,” said Great Neck Arts Center Executive Director Regina Gil.

NBC announced last year Blonsky would join the cast of the NBC show "Smash" for the 2012 season. 

Created in 2012 by Grieff and assistant teacher Cindy Zubbli, the Dinner, Music and Art Class introduces young adults with special needs to an array of arts activities such as ceramics, painting, jewelry making, dance, and movies.

The arts center welcomes inquiries about the class from any interested parents or teachers who may know of a young adult or child with special needs who would benefit from this class.

For more information, call 516-829-2570 or by visiting the the GNAC website.