The New Castle Theatre Department Welcomed Lawrence County to the 60’s with their presentation of the musical, Hairspray. The musical was performed March 8-10, 2018. It was directed by Mr. Robert Lee.

After much hesitation (and begging from various cast members), Mr. Lee finally took a creative leap and chose Hairspray as the spring musical for 2018. The musical was originally performed on Broadway in 2002, winning 8 Tony Awards. The musical was written by songwriting duo, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. It was based on the 1988 John Waters film of the same name. The songs include 1960s-style dance music and “downtown” rhythm and blues. In 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, plump teenager Tracy Turnblad’s dream is to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight, and meets a colorful array of characters, leading to social change as Tracy campaigns for the show’s integration.

The cast of 70 was led by a record setting 21 seniors. The show set record breaking ticket sales for Ne Ca Hi as well.

Below the cast list is attached, as well as more pictures from the show.

The cast for this year’s musical includes:

Main characters: Tracy Turnblad, Maria Cade; Edna Turnblad, Alexa Reider; Wilbur Turnblad, David Cumo; Corny Collins, Danny Sparano; Penny Pingleton, Victoria Kobbe; Velma von Tussle, Ashton Camerot; Amber von Tussle, Caeley Hovanec; Link Larkin, Jason Mollick; Seaweed J. Stubbs, Eric Groves; Motormouth Maybelle, Kaylyn Dykes; Little Inez, Paige Bethune;

Featured Characters: Prudy Pingleton, Amanda Arvelo; Mrs. Pinky, Tess Ambrosini; Harriman F. Spritzer, Zachary Cameron; Prison Matron, Destiny Wilson; Gym Teacher, Rena Duffy; and Drunk, Alex Shoup.

Council members: Tammy, Sophia Reider; Brad, Isaac King; Fender, J.T. Micco; Brenda, Sydney DePaolo; Sketch, Lazaro Lopez; Shelley, Nicolette Pierce; IQ, Luke Bongivengo; Lou Ann, Taylor Phillips; Vicky, Zoey Ondako; Becky, Rachel Zona; Darla, Rachel Gennock; and Paula, Nicoletta Donofrio.

The Dynamites: Judine, Alexis Gish; Kamilah, Anautika Clark; and Shayna, Jasilyn Rankin.

The Pinkies: Patty, Zayna Wagner; Paulene, Marlee Jones; Priscilla, Destiny Wilson; and Paisley, Cynder Shields.

Motormouth Maybelle’s Chorus: Cindy Watkins, DeJanae Lyles; Lorraine, Elysa Groves; Gilbert, Zachary Gibson; Stooie, Bishop Rue; Chloe, Emily D’Ambrosi; Makayla, Angelena Hill; Brianna, Jenna Holmes; Elijah, Malik Jeffries; Trinity, Amarah Lee; Kayla, Alaysia Reno; Caleb, Joshua Stewart; and Gabrielle, Alazia Williams.

Corny Collins’ Chorus: Deborah, Isabella Budai; William, Gino Cioppa; Mary, Camri Cochran; Donna, Kennedy Gabriel; Theresa, Peyton Green; Barbara, Alexis Hiler; Julie, Samantha Jones; Elizabeth, Loraine Logan; Margaret, Renee Lopez; Lisa, Rachel Lyden; Susan, Nina Reider; and Kimberly, Savanna Terracio.

Stage Crew: Tess Ambrosini, stage manager; Alex Shoup; Anthony Cumo; Evan Brown; Jordan Hartman; Kalle Eggleston; Madison Domenick; Mason Cotelesse; Mia Esoldo; Reagan Litrenta; and Sophia Sager.