Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/207831
Sarasota News Leader November 8, 2013 Page 131 TONY-WINNER HAIRSPRAY TO OPEN NOV. 12 AT VENICE THEATRE Venice Theatre is bringing eight-time Tony Award winner Hairspray to its MainStage. The high-energy musical comedy will open on Tuesday, Nov. 12, and runs through Sunday, Dec. 8. "Hairspray, winner of the 2003 Tony Award for Best Musical, tells the story of the lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad," a news release explains. "She has only one desire — to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When that dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She uses her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a TV network." The plot, originally depicted in John Waters' 1988 non-musical film, is loosely based on Baltimore's Buddy Deane Show, which ran on local television from 1957 until 1964, the release continues. Brad Wages is directing and choreographing the show, which will star local musical theater actress Alyssa Goudy in her first appearance at Venice Theatre. Wages says in the release, "Alyssa is Tracy. Her positive energy is infectious and she can effortlessly belt out the songs to last row of the balcony." Alyssa Goudy as Tracy (left) and Tim Fitzgerald as Edna are excited that Tracy's newfound fame has led to an offer to endorse Mr. Pinky's plus-sized dress shop. Contributed photo by Renee McVety Goudy and Fitzgerald are joined by a large cast of experienced performers including Syreeta Banks as Motormouth Mabel, Dick Baker as Link Larkin, David Brown as Corny Collins, Joseph Giglia as Wilbur Turnblad and Jabriel Sheldon as Seaweed Scrubs, the "Keeping with the tradition of having a male release points out. in drag play Edna Turnblad, popular local actor Tim Fitzgerald is tackling the role of Performances are Tuesdays through Saturdays Tracy's mom," the release notes. "He follows at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are on in the high-heeled footsteps of Divine, who sale ($13 to $15 for students; $25 to $28 for originated the role in the 1988 movie; Harvey adults) at www.venicestage.com, by contactFierstein, who brought Edna to Broadway; ing the box office at 488-1115 or by visiting and John Travolta, who added star appeal to the box office at 140 W. Tampa Ave. on the island in Venice. the 2007 musical film."