TERRE HAUTE —
The smash Broadway musical “Hairspray” is colorfully coming to stage at Community Theatre of Terre Haute. It opens this Friday and continues through the weekend. Additional performances are Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 4-7. All performances begin at 8 p.m. except for the Sunday matinees, when show time is 2:30 p.m.
“Hairspray” tells the story of spunky teen Tracy Turnblad (Katie Graves), an oversized gal with big hair who yearns to make it as a member of The Council, the dance group on the afternoon Corny Collins (Brent Frazier) television show. It’s early 1960s Baltimore, and the Corny Collins show only allows African Americans on once a month. Heroine Tracy Turnblad is out to change people’s ideas about weight and integration at the same time.
“Hairspray” first hit the screen in 1988 as a comedy written and directed by John Waters. Ricki Lake played Tracy, with Divine playing her mother, Edna, a woman who hasn’t left her home in years because she doesn’t want to see anyone in her current, overweight state. The cult classic became a Broadway musical in 2002, with book written by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, lyrics by Scott Whittman and Marc Shaiman, and music by Marc Shaiman. In 2007, New Line Cinema released a film version of the musical, with Nikki Blonskey as Tracy and John Travolta as Edna.
The Community Theatre version of the musical, directed by board members Jeff Lorick and Judith Higgins Price, carries on the tradition of a male actor playing Edna. Josh Hoffman, who has acted and directed numerous times at Community Theatre, has taken on the role.
“John Waters started the tradition with the thought of acceptance of all people. The show has a great message for everybody – all ages, races and backgrounds will enjoy it,” Hoffman said.
Kevin Ward, who plays Tracy’s father, Wilbur, agrees. “This show is about community and creating a greater community,” he noted. “Every character undergoes a transformation.”
Wilbur, for example, has never been a joiner, but when he sees Tracy and Edna working for the greater good, he gets involved too. Penny Pingleton (Taryn Ashley) plays a big part in breaking down the racial barriers of her community when she falls for Seaweed J. Stubbs (Philip Childs) and defies her strict mother’s rules.
The ticket office is open this week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as well as one hour before show time. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and adults.
Community Theatre is at 25th and Washington streets. Learn more at www.ctth.org or call the ticket office at 812-232-7172.
Entertainment
Related Photos
-
Opening Friday: Carrying on the tradition of the show, Josh Hoffman and Kevin Ward play Edna and Wilbur Turnblad, proud parents of the spunky Tracy Turnblad. (Submitted photo)
Discussion
CT’s ‘Hairspray’ breaks down barriers
- Entertainment
-
-
Taylor Swift wins 8 trophies at Billboard Awards
LAS VEGAS — Another day, another domination for Taylor Swift: She was the red hot winner at the Billboard Music Awards.
-
Rapper Drake leads BET Awards with 12 nominations
NEW YORK — He started from the bottom, but now he’s on top at the BET Awards: Drake has 12 nominations. BET announced the nominees Tuesday. Rappers Kendrick Lamar and 2 Chainz are up for eight awards each.
-
IHS announces lineup for Concerts on the Canal, reprise of 'Museum Nights on the Canal'
INDIANAPOLIS —There are plenty of ways to enjoy downtown Indianapolis in the summer, and the Indiana Historical Society is offering two — both time-honored favorite Concerts on the Canal and its Museum Nights on the Canal program.
-
Work stalls on rebuilding Little Nashville Opry
NASHVILLE, Ind. — No construction has started at a southern Indiana concert hall destroyed in a 2009 fire even though a sign there suggests a 2013 reopening.
-
George Jones, 81, dies today in Nashville
Nashville, Tenn. – Country Music Hall of Famer, Grand Ole Opry member, and Kennedy Center Honoree George Glenn Jones died today, April 26, 2013, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn. He was hospitalized April 18 with fever and irregular blood pressure.
-
Scenes from Robin Hood adaptation, “The Untold Story of Little John” April 21 at Children’s Museum
We all know the story of Robin Hood, the man who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor and defeated the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, freeing his people from the tyrannical reign of Prince John. We also know how this could not have been accomplished without Little John, Robin Hood’s loyal side-kick who stayed by him through thick and thin. But do we know what happened next?
-
REVIEW: ‘42’ movie hits home run
Unlike Jackie Robinson’s daring base-running style, the new film “42” takes few risks with the storyline of his life’s pivotal moment.
-
Terre Haute native Corenflos wins ACM Guitarist of the Year
The resume speaks for itself.
J.T. Corenflos’ guitar virtuosity has put the sparkle in hit songs and albums by legendary singers, from Alan Jackson to Bob Seger, Brooks and Dunn, Don Henley and George Jones, as well as country music chart-toppers such as Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts. When the greats are ready to record a single or a CD in Nashville, Corenflos’ phone usually rings first. He’s one of Music City’s most well-regarded session guitarists. -
Annette Funicello, Mouseketeer and film star, dies
NEW YORK — Annette Funicello, who became a child star as a perky, cute-as-a-button Mouseketeer on “The Mickey Mouse Club” in the 1950s, then teamed up with Frankie Avalon in a string of ‘60s fun-in-the-sun movies with titles like “Beach Blanket Bingo” and “Bikini Beach,” died today. She was 70.
-
Terre Haute's J.T. Corenflos named ACM Guitarist of the Year
The resume speaks for itself.
J.T. Corenflos’ guitar virtuosity has put the sparkle in hit songs and albums by legendary singers, from Alan Jackson to Bob Seger, Brooks and Dunn, Don Henley and George Jones, as well as country music chart-toppers such as Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts. -
Tickets to ISU’s presentation of Spoon River Anthology go on sale April 8
The Indiana State University theater department will present “Spoon River Anthology” April 10-13 beginning at 7:30 p.m. each day in the Dreiser Hall Theater.
-
Laser and light to accompany Pink Floyd music at April 20 show
Paramount’s LaserSpectacular, the smash hit multi-media laser and light show featuring the music of Pink Floyd, will come to the Effingham Performance Center at 8 p.m. on April 20.
-
Comic bringing 26 pets to Effingham for show
Gregory Popovich and his Comedy Pet Theater is scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. on April 12 at the Effingham Performance Center in Effingham, Ill.
-
Willie Nelson & Family to play IU Auditorium on April 6
New Covenant Productions will present “An Evening with Willie Nelson and Family” live in concert at 7:30 p.m. on April 6 at Indiana University Auditorium in Bloomington.
-
Cellist to perform March 29 at Coffee Grounds
Shannon Hayden, a Yale School of Music graduate, will perform her own compositions for amplified cello at 8 p.m. March 29 in the Coffee Grounds at 423 Wabash Ave.
-
Weather forces postponement of Maya Angelou lecture
Due to the weather, Dr. Maya Angelou’s lecture scheduled for Tuesday, March 26, in Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University, has been postponed.
-
'Quartet' at Honey Creek West 8 March 1
The comedy/drama “Quartet” opens March 1 in Honey Creek West 8 behind Honey Creek Mall in Terre Haute. Shows are at 7:40 and 10:05 p.m.
-
Affleck’s ‘Argo’ wins best-picture Oscar
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ben Affleck’s “Argo,” a film about a fake movie, has earned a very real prize: best picture at the Academy Awards.
From the White House, First Lady Michelle Obama joined Jack Nicholson to help present the final prize. -
Singer-songwriter, Hutsonville native to perform in home county
After the January release of her new single, “I’m Not Gonna Let You,” Nashville singer-songwriter Roxie Randle will perform Feb. 7 in the Illinois county where she grew up.
-
At Home on Stage: Upcoming concert brings Grammy-nominated band and singer-guitarist back to Terre Haute
A club in New York City or the front room of the Eldredges’ house near West Terre Haute. The setting never fazed Terry Eldredge, even as a teenager. He could play music anywhere, bold and confident.
-
Mid-West Archery, Whitetail Deer Expo Jan. 12
Wintertime blues getting you down? Hunting season over, lose that cabin fever and come visit us at the Mid-West Archery and Whitetail Deer Expo. Vendors will have on display quality hand made crafts, ATVs, new trucks, log cabin, taxidermy and many other must see vendors.
-
Children’s Choir auditions begin Jan. 9
The Terre Haute Children’s Choir will stage auditions from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Jan. 12 in Room 161 of the Landini Center for the Performing and Fine Arts on the Indiana State University campus.
-
‘The Wabash’ varies in style, pace, heritage and feeling
In 13 cuts, an album simply titled “The Wabash” varies in style, pace, heritage and feeling as much as does the river itself.
-
Rapper Common to deliver lecture at Butler in January
Rapper/actor Common will speak about “Lessons of Life: One Day It’ll All Make Sense” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 in Clowes Memorial Hall, part of the 25th anniversary of Butler University’s Celebration of Diversity Distinguished Lecture Series.
-
Battle of Bulge Exhibit features artifacts, lectures
The Museum of 20th Century Warfare and the staff at Fort Harrison State Park will host the Battle of the Bulge Exhibit through Jan. 26 at Fort Harrison State Park.
-
Celebrate New Year’s Eve with the family at Indiana State Museum
As the time ticks toward bedtime on New Year’s Eve and little eyes begin to droop, how do you fill the hours before midnight with entertainment for children? The Indiana State Museum makes New Year’s Eve easy for families to celebrate together.
-
Good Feelings Band to perform under new name on New Year’s Eve
After a couple of decades or more of performing, Good Feelings has decided to change its name to reflect a more modern sound. The result is The Band Tichenor-Jeffries.
-
Classic biblical epic on stage in Carmel
This holiday season, the Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre in Carmel will celebrate the return of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” through Jan. 5.
-
Party kicks off New Year at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre
Looking for a killer night out for New Year’s Eve? Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre presents a special performance of “Arsenic & Old Lace,” complete with party favors and more.
- Live Events: Dec. 20, 2012
- More Entertainment Headlines
-
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
Raw: Costa Rica Volcano Roars to Life
Today in History May 22
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Raw: Japan's WWII Atrocities Under Fire in Seoul
Raw: Students Clash With Police in Chile
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
Protests Outside Cincinnati IRS Office
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
Families Begin Returning to Their Homes in Moore
Raw: Aussie Zoo Shows Off White Rhino Calf
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Raw: Aerial View of Moore Tornado Damage
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece
NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery
Shakira's Shocking Talent
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape
Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public
Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls
Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
Olivia Munn Flaunts Her Bikini Bod
