Auditions open for Hairspray

SUSSEX — Cornerstone Playhouse, located at the historic Crescent Theater in Sussex, N.J., announces auditions for its Summer Musical – "Hairspray, The Broadway Musical."

With music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman and a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, based on the 1988 John Waters film Hairspray. The songs include 1960s-style dance music and "downtown" rhythm and blues.

In 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, plump teenager Tracy Turnblad's dream is to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program based on the real-life Buddy Deane Show. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight, and meets a colorful array of characters, such as Corny Collins (the show's singing host who shares Tracy's liberal political views) and Velma Von Tussle (the villainous producer of the show who does everything in her power to further her daughter's career and destroy Tracy's and Corny's). She then launches a campaign to integrate the show. Hairspray is a social commentary on the injustices of parts of American society in the 1960s.

All roles are open for this production, and Cornerstone seeks the diverse cast that this show needs in order to properly make its point. Lead roles include Tracy Turnblad, Corny Collins, Edna Turnblad, Velma Von Tussle, Penny Pingleton, Motormouth Maybelle. Supporting roles include Amber Von Tussle, Link Larkin, Seaweed Stubbs, Wilbur Turnblad, Little Inez, plus an ensemble cast of singers and dancers.

Ray Gelpke directs, with musical direction under Ruth Hubmaster. Auditions have been scheduled for May 19 and 20 at the theater — 74 Main Street. Performance dates are slated from July 11 to 20, Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Rehearsals will be planned for Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday evenings, and Sunday afternoons — not all cast members will be required at all rehearsals.

Rehearsal will be broken down in scene blocking, choreography and music. Adult roles will be cast with adults, teenagers with teenagers — those 10 years of age and over are invited to audition, and Cornerstone will add a few kids to the ensemble.

For questions about this show, or Cornerstone Playhouse, call the theater at 973-702-0687, or visit Cornerstoneplayhouse.org.