Now Performing “Hairspray” the Musical

Rooting for the underdog is so much fun in this plus-sized musical feature full of song and dance at the University of Hawai’i at Hilo’s Performing Arts Center.

The first few shows have already concluded and cast members have taken their bows. The preliminary kinks are worked out, the jitters are gone, and all that remain are those last few shows where everyone breathes in a bit more deeply, exhales slowly, and takes the night’s performance in easy stride.

Hairspray. Image courtesy UHH Performing Arts Center.

The Broadway musical “Hairspray” has enjoyed a long success as a classic underdog story with a romantic and toe tapping twist. A plus-sized teenager, Tracy Turnblad, raises her status as a next-door nobody to celebrity sweetheart with the help of a televised dance show.

While the cameras roll, the heroine battles for love, airtime, and longevity among the other perky and perfect teen heartthrobs. The musical is based in the time frame of the 1960s, which make the costumes colorful, hairstyles immense, and the dance moves retro-cool.

University of Hawai'i at Hilo. Photo by Kristin Hashimoto.

Choreographer Celeste Staton contributed her expertise to the show, while veteran Musical Director Quack Moore and Director Jackie Seaquist, keep the show running smoothly. The remaining shows will be performed on April 20, 21, at 7:30 p.m., and 2 p.m. on April 22.

Tickets are $15, and are available at the UH Hilo Box Office. Call 974-7310 for more information, or visit http://artscenter.uhh.hawaii.edu/. The University of Hawai’i at Hilo is located at 200 W. Kawili Street in Hilo.