NSA Theatre Presents
HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL
The 1950s are out, and change is in the air! Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is a family-friendly musical, piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs.
It's 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, 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!
NSA’s talented kids have been rehearsing for six weeks and opening night is quickly approaching.
I got the chance to interview Juan Graterol, our Link Larkin/ teen heartthrob, and the assistant stage manager, Anabel Blackford. We discussed their favorite parts of rehearsal, what they are most dreading for opening night , and what Hairspray means to them.
I began the conversation asking what Anabel does as the assistant stage manager and what her responsibilities look like,” As the assistant to the stage manager, we are in charge of scheduling the rehearsals, giving out information to the actors, and handling all of the little details of the show the director does not need to do.”
This year is Anabel’s third year as an NSA theatre student. She’s been a performer since she was twelve, and has just recently joined the technical side of theatre and NSA has helped her learn that tech is what she wants to continue doing outside of high school.
I continued to ask questions as we discussed the show. When it comes to their favorite part of the rehearsal process, it was a no-brainer: Friday nights. Every Friday leading up to tech week is a six hour rehearsal; although it sounds draining, the lengthy rehearsal is a time to get the most stuff done, but to also bond as a family.
Although tech week will be the sixth week of rehearsal, confidence levels still tend to be shaky when Blackford and Graterol look toward opening night, “I’m really nervous for technical difficulties.” Technical difficulties are a common occurrence in the world of theatre; a light could go out, a sound cue may not turn on, or a set piece may be misplaced. As much as our crew has worked towards this night, so much is out of their control. However, I believe our students are professional enough to handle whatever comes their way.
As for Graterol, what makes him the most nervous, the most common fear among actors, is forgetting his lines. Graterol is new to theatre only having done two shows prior to Hairspray. Last year he was a part of the cast for Love of Pig putting two leading roles under his belt in NSA productions.
Finally we discussed the importance of the show. “To me, Hairspray is more than a cute musical. It shows a lot of love, it shows how a girl can overcome bullying, and it’s just a fun way to spend time with your family and just enjoy the night.”
For me personally, auditions for the show happened around the time of the White Lives Matter protest in Charlotte. That weekend’s events demonstrated to me the relevancy of this show. Although set in the early 1960’s, the original John Waters film was created in the 80’s which set it up for a long, multi Tony-award winning Broadway run, a 2007 remake, and a live NBC broadcast in 2016. The show has continued to be relevant not only due to the witty dialogue and catchy songs, but also thanks to the continuing need to demonstrate what life is like when you set your insecurities and fears aside. Hairspray will not only touch audiences’ hearts, but have them dancing on their feet as well.
Come see Hairspray the musical November 7-11 at Nashville School of the Arts’ Roxy Theatre. Tickets are $8 for students and $10 for adults and can be bought at the door or reserved through [email protected]