HAIRSPRAY Comes To Reston

Welcome to the 60s - 1960s era Baltimore, to be exact, where hopes are high and hairstyles are even higher, as Reston Community Players opens its 52nd season with the beloved musical Hairspray. Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with an even bigger heart (and hair) is on a mission to follow her dreams and dance her way onto national television. Along the way, she finds true love, equality and the chance to be accepted for who she really is. Hairspray runs October 19-November 10, 2018 at Reston Community Center.

Erich DiCenzo, who serves as both director and choreographer for the production, promises RCP audiences an "electrifying" experience with this Hairspray, but he sees his vision as more than just a chance to entertain. "Hairspray is a show that promotes acceptance and advocates for equality, all while never coming off as preachy," says DiCenzo. "You enter into the colorful, doo-woppy world of the 1960's, and leave either enlightened or reawakened...a newly motivated activist. Our world needs more of these."

Hairspray is based on the 1988 John Waters film starring Divine and Ricki Lake. With music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, the original Broadway musical was the winner of eight Tony Awards. It has since been performed for audiences around the globe.

Leading the cast of Hairspray are Dana Robinson as Tracy Turnblad and David M. Moretti as her mother, Edna Turnblad. The production also features Eva Gary (Penny Pingleton), Maura Lacy (Amber von Tussle), Jake Lefler (Link Larkin), Bruni Herring (Motormouth Maybelle), Katie Kramer (Velma von Tussle), Benjamin Simpson (Corny Collins), Jalen Robinson (Seaweed J. Stubbs), Jessica Walton (Little Inez) and Richard Bird (Wilbur Turnblad). The ensemble includes Sierra Aylor, Kurtis Carter, Teryn Cuozzo, Khyrin DeBose, Steven Eckloff, Madalyn Farmer, Aliya Gardner, Amy Griffin, Hunter Gross, Khanner Hancock, Wayne Jacques, Tatiane Jones, Ashley Kaplan, Evie Korovesis, Henry Metcalf, Brandon Steele and Alexandra West.

In addition to DiCenzo, the Hairspray production team includes Jacob Ferchaud (Producer), Colleen Stock (Stage Manager), Kirsten Boyd (Musical Director), Dan Widerski (Set Designer/Master Carpenter), Andy Shaw (Lighting Designer), Phil Natalini (Sound Designer), Mary Jo Ford (Props), Cathy Rieder (Set Painter), Ashley-Rose Dickey & Lori Crockett (Costume Designer), Sara Birkhead (Technical Director), Sue Pinkman (Hair Designer), and Bianca Lara (Makeup Designer).

Hairspray will perform October 19-November 10, 2018 at the Reston Community Center's CenterStage in Reston, VA. For tickets, contact the box office at (703) 476-4500 x3 or online at www.restonplayers.org. CenterStage is accessible and offers listening devices for the hearing impaired. The production is appropriate for all ages.

Reston Community Players (RCP) is a 501 c3 non-profit organization that has been producing quality theatrical productions since 1966. The Reston Community Players has brought to the public a variety of theatrical experiences over the years and is committed to theatrical excellence and professionalism through the promotion of diverse, creative experiences for the education and cultural enrichment of the community. Partially funded by grants from Fairfax County in cooperation with the Arts Council of Fairfax County, RCP welcomes all and offers something for everyone. Visit RCP online at www.restonplayers.org.