A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR:
At the end of each production season, I start to research and evaluate potential shows for the following season. I take many different factors into account. Things such as the amount of students that our department has, budget, and difficulty of the music, scenic design, and choreography are all things that I seriously take into consideration when selecting our musical for the next season.
This season, it was suggested to me by several students to look into "Hairspray." My initial response, was "no." I couldn't even fathom thinking about the amount of students it would take to cast and produce this show, the multitude of locations within the story, the amount of costumes, and the level of choreography that would be involved with this production...all very difficult feats.
During a momentary lapse of reason, I announced that "Hairspray" would be our 2019 musical at our end of the year Theatre Banquet. From there, (the rest as they say) is history.
I am extremely proud to announce that this is the biggest musical that Kennedale High School has produced in a very long time. We have 29 students who have worked countless hours on stage and backstage to get this production ready for our audiences. Every student that is an active member (and several new students) in the KHS Headliners/Thespian Troupe is participating and have done a fantastic job. I call this a major success for our humble Theatre Department.
On a separate note, I could not think of a better time to produce "Hairspray." The messages of "not judging a book by its cover," spreading equality, and acceptance among all people is still a message that carries great importance. "Hairspray" is a story of love, freedom of expression, and celebrates individuality. Not only does it teach audiences about a pivotal and rocky time in history (Segregation in the 1960's), but, it also exposes audiences to the importance of everyone working together for something to become revolutionary.
In keeping with the tradition of "Hairspray," (from Divine, to Harvey Fierstein, and John Travolta) we have a male actor portraying the role of Edna, which will guarantee you plenty of laughs. Not only has it been wonderful for the students to work with two professional actors (we have a professional actor portraying Wilbur, also) they have had the opportunity to be guided, coached, and mentored-providing the students with a once in a lifetime experience and acting lessons pro bono. Not only does this give the students a fantastic experience, but, it also demonstrates the importance ofeducational theatre to members of our community, and keeps theatre arts thriving our small town.
Enjoy the show.
