Ever since Hudson Valley Summer Stage’s production of the Broadway musical, “13” four years ago, director Karen Eremin has wanted to do “Hairspray.” Her dream is finally coming true as the summer theater camp performs the popular Broadway musical at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday in the Cornwall High School auditorium.
One of the challenges Eremin faced in the past was not having an integrated cast, but this year 33 middle school and high school students will appear on stage, marking the largest cast for the theater camp. When “Hairspray” was made into a musical, John Waters, who wrote the original television script, made the comment, fat girls and drag queens can have leads in their school plays.
The premise of the production, Tracy Turnblad tries out for a teenage dance show with her black friend, Penny Pingleton. Pingleton is told there’s a “Negro Day” on the show at the end of every month, and although she’s overweight, Turnblad becomes a regular. Set in 1962, the production addresses integration and the civil rights movement.
Despite the sensitive subject, the campers have handled it with maturity and understanding. Some have even felt awkward because integration today is second nature. Eremin said some of the young actors and actresses felt uncomfortable saying things that poked fun at others, such as “Tracy Turnblob.”
“When we run the lines we talk about it,” Eremin said. “They weren’t alive for this. There are things that are socially unacceptable now that were spewed on a daily basis like racist and sexist comments.”
The musical may be a comedy, but it’s a good lesson in acceptance for the thespians.
“There’s more to someone than just what is on the outside,” said Dylan Messina who plays Harriman Spritzer.
“Even though people have disabilities or something wrong with them, you shouldn’t judge them by that,” added Loundy Martes, who plays Little Inez.
Rehearsals for “Hairspray” began on June 30 and in just nine days the show is ready to be performed on stage. Max Finkelstein returns as the music director. The show features a new choreographer, RJ Miller from Newburgh.
Tickets are available at Step by Step Dance Studio until 2 p.m. during the week. Tickets may be reserved by calling 845-534-3645 or 845-497-3914. They will also be available at the door.
