Pia Singh’ 19, Olivia Cipperman ’19: The Upper School Domino Board is proud to present Hairspray as its official spring musical of the 2015-2016 Episcopal Academy school year. Hairspray takes place in 1960s Baltimore and follows a vivacious teenage girl named Tracy Tumblad whose dream is to be a part of her favorite local television dance show. The beloved musical has been adapted into a movie and has won several distinguished awards.
When asked why they chose to perform this particular musical at Episcopal, Domino Board members and talented singers Kailey Radcliffe ‘16 and Will Patterson ‘16 had several things to say. “What’s so great about it is the fact that the movie came out when we were in middle school,” Radcliffe said. “Our grade loves the movie. I think since everybody knows the movie and knows the show, they’ll be proud of it.”
Daniel Clay, head of the Theater department at EA, stated that Hairspray has been a show that the Domino Board has been considering putting on for a while and finally decided that it would create a whole season of shows that includes the broad theme of diversity and inclusion.
“Hairspray is perfect because it takes place in Baltimore in the sixties when racism and segregation were prevalent and openly practiced. The show celebrates difference and makes gentle fun of the narrow minded,” Clay explained, “It will be hard work for those involved, but we are going to make the schedule and transportation easier to manage for our students who want to audition. I’m really excited about it.”
Apart from being widely relatable to students at Episcopal, some themes of the show also reflect the school’s ten stripes and themes of acceptance and equality. Hairspray’s general themes of overcoming racial segregation and exhibiting universal kindness tie into this year’s central Chapel theme to “Work for the good of all” (Galatians 6:10). “It’s very timely. I think it will relate well,” Patterson added. When choosing this year’s musical, the Domino Board had considered other shows including Fiddler on the Roof, Peter Pan, and Beauty and the Beast. At the end, however, they believed that Hairspray would be the most appropriate, relatable, and enjoyable production to put on this upcoming spring.
Music enthusiast Emma Humann ‘19 mentioned that “Hairspray is great, the music is fun and every scene is filled with hilarious lines. I personally never get tired of it!”
“We hope that all of our productions bring the community together,” voiced Clay, “Hopefully students will get excited about this show in particular, and we’ll have a large, diverse group of students who want to be involved.”