Some Hair-hoppin' Questions for LU's HAIRSPRAY Cast: The Nicest Kids in Town, Part I

Without a doubt - and even before they take to the stage in Lipscomb University Theatre's production of Hairspray - it's pretty clear that the production's cast members are truly "the nicest kids in town." Bringing the hit musical to life for local audiences, which will include a large contingent of alumni in town for homecoming at the Nashville university (Hairspray runs November 3-6 in Collins Auditorium on the Lipscomb campus), the large ensemble of more than 40 actors are hard at work, sharpening their skills, running lines and rehearsing like it's nobody's business. And their spirit and energy is palpable!

Director/choreographer of the production is 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 - he's also choreographing and working on a new children's musical version of Aesop's Fables, written by Michael Milligan and directed by Theodore Mann, artistic director of Circle in the Square. Joining Boccitto on the creative team are musical director Janet Holeman (whose work with the cast was obvious at the run-thru of the show I saw more than two weeks before opening night: the sound will pin you against the wall, in a very good way), assistant director Deb Holloway, stage manager Marjorie Wood, set/lighting designer David Hardy and costume designer June Kingsbury.

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"...

 

Whitney Vaughn aka Tracy Turnblad

What's your favorite song from the show? "The Baltimore Reprise, "because it shows Tracy's journey since the beginning of the show, and the audience gets to see her at her most vulnerable moment.

What's your most fun experience during the whole Hairspray process? The most amazing part of this process has been sitting back and watching each number come together. I love sitting on the sides and watching my friends play and explore their characters. We have such a talented cast, and every night we encourage and help each other. It's really special to know that 43 people are in one room with one goal in mind, which is to tell a powerful and truthful story. God has blessed each of us with talent, but the greatest blessing is the opportunity for us to share it with each other and the audience. 

American Bandstand or Hullabaloo? Hullabaloo!

Tab or Diet Rite? Tab.

Kristi Mason aka Penny Lou Pingleton

What's your favorite song from the show? "Without Love," but close second is "You Can't Stop the Beat" (it's so much fun to dance to).

What's your most fun experience during the whole Hairspray process? Working with the amazing Justin Boccito. He brings so much to the table that the cast cannot help from being inspired. Every day I learn something about my character and myself. 

American Bandstand or Hullabaloo? 1960 is when I should have lived. I love all the music of this time period. Mamas and the Papas, Beatles, Janis Joplin, etc. are usually playing on my iPod. This is a great time for expression through music. You can just tell what is going on in the world, through the music. 

Tab or Diet Rite? Diet Rite (I drink it now!)

 

Lacy Hartselle aka Corny Collins council member Tammy

What's your favorite song from the show? My favorite song from the show is Motormouth Maybelle's song "I Know Where I've Been." This song passionately describes the theme of Hairspray. Our wonderful Motormouth Maybelle - Jessica Moore - is blessed with a voice from above and will positively have you emotionally moved during this part of the show!

What's your most fun experience during the whole Hairspray process? Throughout this whole process of preparation, my "most fun experience" has just begun to happen as we have just started running through the show! I love doing this because our wonderful director, Justin Boccitto, gives us the freedom as actors to make bold choices with our characters! So, it has been very fun playing around with my character each night!

American Bandstand or Hullabaloo? Oh my goodness, had I been a teen in 1962: American Bandstand, much like Hairspray's Corny Collins Show, would have been something that I would have watched religiously! All of my mother's teen idols - specifically Donny Osmond - were featured on this show. I would have died to be on that show, much like teenagers today wish to appear on Glee! 

Tab or Diet Rite? Neither! I haven't had a carbonated drink in five years!

 

Natalie Bowsher aka Council Member Lou Ann (she's also dance captain & assistant music director)

What's your favorite song from the show? "Cooties" - it's so fun and my best friend, Amber choreographed it!

What's your most fun experience during the whole Hairspray process? Working with the amazing cast and production team (Justin, Janet, Marjorie, Deb), they're all amazing! It's been so encouraging to work with a group of people who are so passionate and dedicated to what they do. It is really apparent that everyone is trying to better themselves throughout this process. I haven't seen every Lipscomb show in the past, by any means, but I would definitely put Hairspray up there in the top - you don't want to miss this show! 

American Bandstand or Hullabaloo? American Bandstand!

Tab or Diet Rite? Diet Rite; I have to keep my girlish figure for The Corny Collins Show!

Carter Martin aka Matron of "The Big Doll House"

What's your favorite song from the show? "Welcome to the '60s" because it's all about looking at life from a different perspective. Throwing away the dull, drab expectations and living life to the fullest in a brand new way. 

What's your most fun experience during the whole Hairspray process? Each person has devoted copious amounts of time and effort to creating a real community for Tracy Turnblad and friends to exist. As an American History major with a Theater Ministries minor, I am devoted to share the purpose of this show, which is to remind people of how fragmented America used to be when it came to race issues and equality. While most of this show is humorous and farcical, the soul of justice is unmistakable in the characters we have worked hard to create. The funniest and saddest parts of this musical are when everyone is depicting the truth, which, I have learned, is one of the hardest yet most important things in the theater world. 

American Bandstand or Hullabaloo? I love American Bandstand music. My favorite era of music is '40s-'50s swing with bands like Glenn Miller and the Andrews Sisters. I sing in a band called Music City Swing that plays around Nashville and Middle Tennessee. We play the classic swing songs, but recently we've been playing more Hullabaloo-like tunes that I'm starting to fall in love with as well. 

Tab or Diet Rite? Tab!

 

Taylor Kennerly is a member of the Hairspray ensemble

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

What's your most fun experience during the whole Hairspray process? The dancing.

American Bandstand or Hullabaloo? American Bandstand!  

Tab or Diet Rite? Diet Rite.