First High School Production of Hairspray in Conn.
by Staff ◊ Nov 05, 2010
See you in Baltimore! Come see a talented cast perform the first Connecticut high school production of Hairspray in Connecticut. A social commentary on the injustices of parts of American society in the 60’s, Hairspray includes 1960s-style dance music and “downtown” rhythm and blues. Set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, Hairspray is the story of a plump teenager, Tracy Turnblad, and her dream 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 then launches a campaign to integrate the show. Sacred Heart Academy senior Phoebe Wright, of Fairfield, stars as Tracy Turnblad and Gabriel Armentano, of Oxford (Oxford High School) stars as Link. Other leading roles include: Sean Potter of West Haven (Notre Dame High School) as Corny Collins, Joe Rapuano of East Haven (East Haven High School) as Edna, Hannah Kolb of New Haven, (Sacred Heart Academy) as Penny Pingleton, Peter Charney of Woodbridge (Amity High School) as Wilbur Turnblad, Kailey Wheeler of Hamden (Sacred Heart Academy) as Prudy Pingleton, Sheilagh Lichtenfels of Guilford (Sacred Heart Academy) as Velma Von Tussle and Jamal Sancho of North Haven (North Haven High School) as Seaweed.
Sacred Heart Academy will present Hairspray on Friday and Saturday, November 12 and 13, at 7:00pm, and on Sunday, November 14, at 2:00pm in the Paollela Recreational Center on the campus at 265 Benham Street in Hamden. Tickets at $15 are available for purchase Monday through Friday, 8:00am-3:30pm at Sacred Heart Academy, 265 Benham Street, Hamden.
“The annual fall musical at Sacred Heart Academy is one of the school’s most loved traditions and student involvement is the key…the musical will showcase the talents of over 100 current students with scores more contributing backstage,” according to play director Joan McAfee. “Musical direction will be assured by Christopher Hartel, director of music at Sacred Heart,” she added. Clayton Andrew McMurray, a graduate of North Haven Academy – Paul Mitchell Partner School, is the musical’s hair and makeup designer, working in conjunction with students and professionals from North Haven Academy and the students at Sacred Heart Academy to ensure authentic 60’s style.
Sacred Heart Academy, an independent Catholic college preparatory school founded in 1946 by the Apostles of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, successfully prepares young women in grades 9 – 12 for learning, service and achievement in a global society. The Academy currently has an enrollment of 500 students hailing from New Haven, Fairfield, Hartford, Middlesex and New London counties.
