It doesn’t matter who you are or what you look like, you can fit in and have a lot of fun.
That is the philosophy behind Lethbridge Musical Theatre’s production of 2003 Tony award winning musical “Hairspray,” which takes the stage for 12 shows beginning Nov. 9 in the Yates Centre. Lethbridge Musical Theatre is looking for a large cast of 35 ranging from age 14 and up.
Auditions take place at the Sterndale Bennett Theatre this Wednesday and Thursday, May 30-31 beginning at 6 p.m.
A detailed character list can be found on their website http://www.lethbridgemusicaltheatre.ca/cast.php
Those wishing to audition should dress for movement as a dance sequence will be taught. They should have a song prepared that is not from Hairspray, with sheet music in the proper key. An accompanist will be provided if needed.
“ We like to say if life were everything it should be it would be more like Hairspray,” said Wayne Barry who has been part of the long standing Lethbridge musical theatre company 47 years ago.
The production, based on the hit Broadway show and 1988 film starring Sonny Bono among others and the 2007 John Travolta remake, is about a 1960s teen who wants to perform on the Corny Collins show, which is similar to American Bandstand and comes into conflict with the reigning teen queen when she wins and starts using her position to speak out about issues which concern her like integrating blacks into the program.
“It takes place in 1962 and Baltimore teen Tracey Turnblad has one desire — to be on the Corny Collins show. She’s transformed from social outcast to a superstar, but comes into conflict with thew reigning teen queen,” Barry said.
“ It’s a really fun and great musical,” he enthused.
“It’s multi-cultural so there’s a black and white cast in it,” he continued.
“We’ve already had so many people contacting us about it,” he continued. Catwalk Salon is on board as the official salon, providing actual “Hairspray.”
He noted Lethbridge Musical theatre has a had a lot of success with shows set in the ’’60s and ’70s like “Grease” and hopes “Hairspray will help appeal to a younger audience.
“There’s just some really great characters from the ’60s in it,” he said.
“It costs us about six figures to do it, that’s why we have 12 shows,” he said.
“It’s hard to believe people will pay $100 to see a big name act in Lethbridge, but we have to struggle for $20,” he said adding a lot of talent got their start in Lethhbridge Musical theatre.
“We have a lot of people who have become really big stars on Broadway. We’re very fortunate to be able to see them here,” he continued.
“It’s going to be an awful lot of fun we’ll be able to generate. So we’re pretty excited,” he enthused.
“ A lot of kids are interesting getting a look at how their parents grew up,” he said of trying to appeal to a younger audience.
He noted it is tough job for a non -profit organization like Lethbridge Musical Theatre to bring an extensive production like “Hairspray” to the stage.
Tickets for the performance will cost $24 for adults, $22 for students and seniors.
Call backs will take place in the first week of June.
People auditioning should expect to be at the Sterndale Bennett until they are over. They are expected to prepare a Broadway number not from Hairspray and provide sheet music. An accompanist will be provided if needed. Call backs will be after May 31 and those who make it will be contacted individually.
“We want to have it decided before school is out,” he said.
Rehearsals for the production will begin in September.
