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

Even before they hit the stage for Lipscomb University Theatre's production of Hairspray, it's pretty clear that cast members Renna Taylor, Nicolette Carney, Justin Boyd, Darius Cal and Carolanne Deaton 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"...

 

Renna Taylor aka Ensemble (and the Beatnick Chick)

What's your favorite song from the show? Out of the more upbeat numbers, my favorite is "Welcome to the '60s" because it's energetic and very entertaining! But I also love "I Know Where I've Been" because it is heartfelt, and it speaks to the serious undertones in the show. Plus, I get chills every time Jessica Moore sings!

What's been your most fun experience during the whole Hairspray process? It's been so fun seeing the entire show come together - from music rehearsals at the beginning, learning choreography, adding the scenes, seeing the set...it's been really neat to watch Justin's vision play out!

American Bandstand or Hullabaloo? American Bandstand! I would want to see kids my own age performing the popular dances of the time - Corny Collins Show much?

Tab or Diet Rite? Neither! I'm not a big fan of soda.

Nicolette Carney aka Judine (1/3 of the Dynamites)

What's your favorite song from the show? Tie between "Welcome to the '60s" and "I Know Where I've Been."

What's been your most fun experience during the whole Hairspray process? Meeting new people and working with Justin.

American Bandstand or Hullabaloo? American Bandstand. Sometimes I catch footage of the show on TV and wish I could have been on there.

Tab or Diet Rite? Tab. Sounds cooler than Diet Rite.

 

 

Justin Boyd aka Duane /ensemble

What's your favorite song from the show? It's a tough choice between "I Know Where I've Been" and, of course, "You Can't Stop the Beat!"

What's been your most fun experience during the whole Hairspray process? I think the most fun aspect of this show to me was working with a cast that not only wanted to better themselves as actors, but they also wanted others to become better as well. It has truly been an amazing experience!

American Bandstand or Hullabaloo? "Hear that beat coming strong? Feel like you are coming along? Jump for joy! I'm telling you, it's Hullabaloo!"

Tab or Diet Rite? Diet...Tab?

 

 

 

Darius Cal aka Gilbert and the Motor Mouth Choir

What's your favorite song from the show? "Without Love."

What's been your most fun experience during the whole Hairspray process? All of the unscripted dancing and acting that turns out to be the funniest things ever!

American Bandstand or Hullabaloo? American Bandstand.

Tab or Diet Rite? Tab.

 

 

 

 

 

Carolanne Deaton aka Ensemble

What's your favorite song from the show? My favorite song in the show is Big Doll House because it's
not in the movie, so I think a lot of people who haven't seen the show
will find it new and exciting like I do!

What's been your most fun experience during the whole Hairspray process? My favorite part of the
process so far has been the character development that our director encourages us to do. My friend Allison and I spent hours one night just talking about who we were and our own back stories for the play. It is so great to be able to create your own character for a show!

American Bandstand or Hullabaloo? I know I would be an American Bandstand fan because I love the smoothness of their music.

Tab or Diet Rite? Tab! The Tab can just looks better.