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Hairspray opens Nov. 16 at Stockton Civic
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STOCKTON — The musical comedy “Hairspray” is being staged at the Stockton Civic Theatre from Wednesday, Nov. 16, through Sunday, Dec. 11.

Featuring 1960s-style dance music and “downtown” rhythm and blues, the show is set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, where plump teenager Tracy Turnblad’s dream is to dance on “The Corney Collins Show,” a local TV dance program.  When she wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight and launches a campaign to integrate the show.  “Hairspray” is a social commentary on some of the injustices of 1960 American society.

The show is directed by James Reed who made his directorial debut at SCT directing the 2010 production of “Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat.”  He previously choreographed  SCT musicals and served as assistant director.  He has cast Katy Uyeno in the lead role of Tracy Turnblad.  From Modesto, and active in Modesto Performing Arts, she says this is her “dream role.”  This is her first appearance on the SCT stage.

Audiences will not be disappointed with the role of the mother, Edna Turnblad, always played by a male actor, now played by SCT’s own Artistic Director, Jim Coleman.  Prior to joining SCT, Coleman lived and worked in New York for 27 years.  Among his many professional Broadway credits, he was musical director for “Sweeney Todd” and “Mame” with Angela Lansbury, and “Anything Goes” with Patti Lupone.

Sponsored by Chase Chevrolet, “Hairspray” features a $15 per seat preview on Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m.  Performances are on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.  There will be a special matinee performance on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 1 p.m., with no performance on Thanksgiving Day.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $21 for seniors, and $15 for students and children 12 and under.   The show is rated PG-13.

The theatre is located at 2312 Rose Marie Lane, Stockton.  For tickets call the SCT Box Office Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at (209) 473-2424, or go online at sctlivetheatre.com.