Hairspray Open Call
Balerno TC announce December 2019 production
Balerno Theatre Company has put out an open casting call for its December 2019 amateur production of Hairspray, the Broadway Musical.
The show will play the Church Hill Theatre in the first week of December. Auditions will be held in the last week of March 2019 at Curie Community High School, starting with an open introduction evening on Tuesday 26 March.
Set in Baltimore in 1962, Hairspray is based on the 1988 John Waters film and revolves around the attempts of big-haired, big bodied and very with-it teenager Tracey Turnblad to get into the dance troupe on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program.
When she learns a few dance moves from her black friend Seaweed, her wish comes true and she becomes an instant local celebrity. Using her new-found fame, Tracy advocates for racial integration on the show – an uphill battle she has every intention of winning.
Graeme Shield, BTC’s director for the production, told Æ: “Hairspray is a hilarious and energetic musical with something for everyone. A strong component of the Hairspray story revolves around race and body types in the 1960s.
“As an issue still relevant today, we want our production to stay as true to this casting as possible. This is why we’re looking to cast performers of all abilities but are particularly keen to encourage performers from non-white communities to join in the fun. You don’t need to have any experience, just come along!”
Premiering in 2002, the original Broadway production was nominated for 13 Tony Awards in 2003, winning eight – including Best Musical. It has music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman and a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan.
balance
Its ability to strike a balance between a strong message of integration and a hugely entertaining book and music score has led to a number of successful productions in recent years, both professional touring shows and ones from local amateurs. A fact which Shield is quick to recognise.
“Forth Children’s Theatre did a terrific job with Hairspray a few years ago,” he says, “and we’re really keen to have our adult-led production reflect the diverse talent available in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas.”
Balerno Theatre Company has put a minimum age of 14 on all participants. The open evening will be a chance to find out more, meet the production team and book in for an audition slot. Auditions will take place on the evenings of Thursday 28 March and Tuesday 2 April with call backs on Thursday 4 April.
Listings and links
BTC Hairspray Open Evening
Currie Community High School, 32 Dolphin Ave, Currie EH14 5RD
7pm, Tuesday 26 March 2019.
Contact for further details: secretary@balernotheatrecompany.co.uk
BTC Hairspray Auditions
Currie Community High School, 32 Dolphin Ave, Currie EH14 5RD
Thursday 28 March, Tuesday 2 April
Evenings: 6pm-9pm.
Contact for further details: secretary@balernotheatrecompany.co.uk
Hairspray, The Broadway Musical
Church Hill Theatre, 33a Morningside Road, EH10 4DR
Wednesday 4 – Saturday 7 December.
Evening shows every day and an extra matinee on the Saturday.
Details of the show, including cast breakdown: www.mtishows.co.uk/hairspray.
The original cast recording, complete book and lyrics, and DVD of the NBC Live event are available on Amazon:
ENDS
