By Jessica Goldbogen Harlan and Carrie Teegardin
The Maynard Jackson High School (MJHS) drama department is preparing to raise the curtain on Hairspray, the Tony Award-winning musical comedy. This show is MJHS’s most ambitious musical yet, with a cast of more than 40 students, an elaborate set, an interactive outdoor experience upon arrival, gorgeous period costumes, and, of course, WIGS.
Set in racially segregated 1960s Baltimore, Hairspray tells the story of 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad’s quest to make her way onto a popular televised dance show. The musical takes on themes of its era that continue to be relevant today: body image, racism, student activism, identity, and more. While there’s plenty to ponder, there’s also a lot of fun in this show, including the amazing hairstyles, high-energy dance numbers, and fabulous music. The show’s hit songs include “Welcome to the 60s,” and “Good Morning Baltimore.”
The MJHS Theater Department and the MJHS Arts Boosters want to invite the entire community to get involved in this show. Four performances are planned: March 3-5, with both matinee and evening shows scheduled for the March 5.
The school will also enter the performance in the Shuler Awards, high school theater’s answer to the Tony’s
Go a step further and help put on the show. Covering the cost of an ambitious show like Hairspray requires fundraising from the community and you can help. Join the Arts Boosters by purchasing a membership or becoming a corporate sponsor. The Boosters isn’t just for people with students at the school; it’s for everyone in the community or anyone who cares about having a strong arts program in public schools. Please follow this link to join: https://mjhsarts.org/#join or follow on Facebook @MJHSArtsBoosters. Check for updates on the show as well as requests for supplies and props.
“We have so much talent at our school, and this show will knock your socks off, make you laugh, make you think hard about the issues we still face, and it may also prompt you to consider trying out a seriously large hair style,” said Jeanne Fore, co-president of the MJHS Arts Boosters. “Please help us support our students and teachers by coming to see the show and making a donation to the Boosters.”
Ticket information will be posted on: https://mjhsarts.org.
Comments are closed.