The Avondale Theatre Company, Avondale High School’s award-winning drama troupe, continues its bold and experimental season by going to extremes once again and taking on one of the most successful Tony-winning shows in recent history, the musical “Hairspray,” for four performances, Fridays and Saturdays, April 29, 30, and May 6, 7. Performances will be at 7:35 p.m. at the Avondale Performing Arts Centre in Auburn Hills.
With book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, and music and lyrics by.Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman, “Hairspray” weaves the tale of Tracy Turnblad overweight high school outcast .and lover of mid-afternoon rock¬in’-roll dance shows – as she tries to break into the biz, help her mom with her self-esteem, and solve all the integration woes of early 1960s Baltimore.
Full of non-stop fun music, endless dancing, and a lesson or two on race relations, “Hairspray” has become an instant classic and just released for amateur licensing. 
“On every level, this is the perfect show for our company and school,” says Edmond Guay, ATC drama teacher and director. “It’s upbeat, non-stop fun, filled with rich’ diverse characters, a bit ‘of center’ in its philosophy, and full of people and ideas that think way outside the box.”
Over 150 students from the school audi¬tioned for the production – the most ever in ATC history – but only 60 were selected, which is still one of the largest casts the company has ever put together.
“With all the energy that is buzzing through the halls about this show,” Guay say, “the tryouts became the ‘thing’ to do. And I’m very excited with the great collection of kids we’re going to put on that stage. Dozens have never done a show before, and that hyper-energy newness is permeating the rehearsal process.”
Assisting Guay with the production are award-winning AHS vocal music director Kevin Cornwell as the show’s vocal director, Elizabeth Becker as costume coordinator, Susan Scales as box office help and ATC alumnus Brandon Major who oversees the scene shop and the backstage’ student workers. The Avondale Performing Arts Centre is in Avondale High School, at 2800 Waukegan in Auburn Hills off Squirrel Road .
Adult tickets are $10 and student tickets are $5. All seating is reserved. Tickets can be ordered by calling the ATC anytime at 248-537-6210 or purchased in person at the ATC Box Office which is open. daily from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or Tuesday-Thursday from 2:30-5 p.m. ever put together.
About Rochester Media