Hairspray to Open at Long Island's Argyle Theatre

Long Island's newest theatrical venue, the Argyle Theatre, has announced the cast and creative team for its upcoming production of Hairspray, running from July 12-August 26.

Set in 1962 Baltimore, Hairspray follows plump teenager Tracy Turnblad whose 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 group of characters, leading to social change as Tracy campaigns for the show's integration.

Directed and choreographed by Antoinette DiPietropolo with music direction by Jonathon Brenner, the principal cast will feature Jason Simon as Edna, Katy Geraghty as Tracy, John Salvatore as Wilbur, Inga Ballard as Motor Mouth Maybelle, Sam Leicht as Link, Kirby Lunn as Amber, Kelsey Youmans as Velma, Malcolm Franklin as Seaweed, Christina Jackson as Penny, Dustin Maxwell as Corny Collins, and Nya Noemi as Little Inez. Rounding out the company is Jill Anthony, Kayla Coleman, Lephate Cunningham, Courtney Fekete, Sean Patrick Grady, Conor McGriffin, Nyasia J. Monroe, Ashley Munzek, Matthew V. Ranaudo, Brandon Riddle, Reagan Roberts, and Chelsea Smith.

The creative team includes Diggle (scenic design), Kurt Algers (costume design), John Burkland (lighting design), Sam Silva (sound design), and Peggy Samuels (production manager). The production stage manager is Andrea Wales with Barry Marks as assistant stage manager.

Based on the 1988 John Waters film, Hairspray features music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman, and a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan. The musical won eight Tony Awards in 2003, including Best Musical, and ran on Broadway for a total of 2,642 performances.