BWW Interviews: Hair-Hoppin' Questions for LU's HAIRSPRAY Cast: The Nicest Kids in Town, Part IV

Even before they hit the stage for Lipscomb University Theatre's production of Hairspray, it's pretty clear that cast members Jamin Craig, Leslie Marberry, Ashley Cobb, Graf Thurman and Mike Knox truly are "the nicest kids in town."

Bringing the hit musical to life for Nashville audiences, which will include a large contingent of alumni in town for homecoming (Hairspray runs November 3-6 in Collins Auditorium on the David Lipscomb University campus), the large ensemble of more than 40 actors are hard at work, sharpening their skills, running lines, rehearsing like it's nobody's business and immersing themselves in plenty of 1960s pop culture and nostalgia.

Justin Boccitto , who's made a name for himself in New York City - where he teaches at Broadway Dance Center and is one of the visionaries behind The Group Theatre Too - is director and choreographer of LU Theatre's Hairspray, joined on the creative team by musical director Janet, assistant director Deb Holloway, stage manager Marjorie Wood, set/lighting designer David Hardy and costume designer June Kingsbury. Together, they've assembled a crackerjack cast of exciting young actors who, obviously, are having the time of their lives to bring 1960s Baltimore to Music City USA.

"This show we're doing is going to be fun for the whole family," says Mike Fernandez, chair of the Lipscomb theatre department. "It's flashy and fun, but it has some poignant moments."

Hairspray tells the story of a family that many would see as an outcast, says Boccitto. But the plus-size Turnblad family is also heavy on love and acceptance, and they end up helping Baltimore move into a new age by integrating the Corny Collins Show, a weekly TV dance show.

"The 1960s was a real turn of the tide in the nation. Great things were happening in the country, but we were still dealing with civil rights," Boccitto says.

"Deep down, what John Waters was trying to point out was the power of human connection," he explains. "Human connection is everywhere, no matter what body type we are, what race we are or what religion we are."

"I think Hairspray is a nice stylistic counterpoint to Ragtime," Fernandez suggests. "Both are about how we relate to each other, but with Hairspray, it's more fun and you leave the theater feeling lighter. This is a musical we feel anyone could bring the whole family to."In that same spirit, Lipscomb's production of Hairspray was sparked by a partnership between Fernandez and Tenielle Buchanan, Lipscomb's assistant dean of students for intercultural engagement. In an effort to provide more outlets of creativity for students of diversity on campus, the theatre department produced Ragtime in 2010 and Hairspray this fall.

So just imagine that it's the 1962-1963 school year and you're about to watch your favorite teens on the hottest televised dance party in town...and get to know LU's "The Nicest Kids in Town"...

 

'Jammin' Jamin Craig aka Wacky Wilbur Turnblad

What's your favorite song from the show?  "I Know Where I've Been." SO. MUCH. SOUL.

What's been your most fun experience during the whole Hairspray process? Definitely the final dance of "You Can't Stop the Beat." It's so peppy and full of energy!

American Bandstand or Hullabaloo? Hullabaloo!! They had famous bands and artists play on the show all the time!

Tab or Diet Rite? Tab!!! Coca Cola Forever!!!!

 

 

Leslie Marberry aka Velma Von Tussle

What's your favorite song from the show?  It has to be "I Know Where I've Been"; this song is absolutely beautiful due to Jessica's (Motormouth) voice and the power behind all of the words. It's a must see!  

What's been your most fun experience during the whole Hairspray process? I really believe that my most fun experience with this whole process has been the down time during rehearsal when we all get to joke around with one another and grow closer as a cast and as a family. I love each and everyone involved in this production.

American Bandstand or Hullabaloo? Definitely an American Bandstand girl. Got to have me some Mr. Clark!

Tab or Diet Rite?  I would have to say that I would like to have watched my figure, therefore I most certainly would have chosen caffeine-free Tab to drink in the 1960s. 

 

Mz. Ashley Charice Cobb! (minus the Mz and exclamation point) aka Dynamite Shayla and Cindy Watkins

What's your favorite song from the show?  My favorite songs in the show are Welcome to the Sixties and Baltimore Crabs. The cast does an awesome job in the both of these numbers.

What's been your most fun experience during the whole Hairspray process? The most fun experience I had during the show was during rehearsal. Every time Justin would turn around to talk with someone or do something else, me and all of the detention kids would start doing some random dance. He finally turned around and caught us doing the Bernie and we said, "We just dancin!" (You had to be there). But overall, I absolutely love the entire experience. We're just 1 BIG funny corny integrated family!

American Bandstand or Hullabaloo? Hmmm...let's say Hullabaloo.

Tab or Diet Rite? Don't gimme no pop no pop, Don't gimme no tea no tea, Just gimme that MILK! Milk Milk Milk Milk Milk.

 

Grafton Thurman aka Ensemble/Flasher/Guard/Policeman ("I think some roles kinda go hand in hand more than others...")

What's your favorite song from the show?  "Welcome to the '60s." I love Justin's take on it... bringing in the entire ensemble- brilliant. "Timeless to Me" is my second for obvious reasons. Edna is a whole lot of woman.

What's been your most fun experience during the whole Hairspray process? Improvising for each character. I was introduced as the flasher pretty late in the game...I don't think any of my fellow cast members were ready for this level of creepy! Then, as a guard, the matron and I formed a bit of a strange at-work romance.. Only she's the one wearing the pants...so to speak.

American Bandstand or Hullabaloo? Probably American Bandstand.

Tab or Diet Rite? Neither. I'm a Coca Cola man, through and through.

 

Michael Knox aka Seaweed J. Stubbs

What's your favorite song from the show?  "Welcome to the '60s."

What's been your most fun experience during the whole Hairspray process? The auditions. I just really enjoyed letting loose and giving it all I got. Not to mention seeing everyone else doing the same.

American Bandstand or Hullabaloo? I would have been a fan of American Bandstand if I were a teen in 1962.

Tab or Diet Rite? Tab all the way, baby!