'Hairspray' Comes To The Stage At Eisenhower High School

BLUE ISLAND, IL—Dwight D. Eisenhower Performing Arts students hit the boards in the spring musical “Hairspray,” about a talented and gutsy teenager in 1962 Baltimore who rallies against racism and segregation.

Performances are at 7 p.m. April 23, April 24 and April 25, in the high school’s new performing arts center, 12700 S. Sacramento Ave., Blue Island.

“Hairspray” is a Tony Award-winning musical with a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman, based on John Waters' 1988 film.

Set in 1962 Baltimore, it follows big-haired teenager Tracy Turnblad as she uses her newfound fame on a local TV dance show to fight for racial integration, becoming a symbol of social change with its upbeat message and catchy songs.

The cast includes

Tracy: Isabella Martinez

Corny Collins: Kris Alvarez

Edna: Oliver Blouin

Penny: Itzel Trinidad

Motormouth Maybelle: Jaeline Bates

Seaweed: Andres Collins

Velma: Sadie Robinson

Amber: Angela Magana

Link: Jeremiah Perez

Wilbur: Juan Pablo Araiza

Little Inez: Journey Hampton

Prudy/Dance Captain: Samantha Martinez

Mr. Pinky/Brad: Miguel Felix

Mr. Spritzer: Connor Murray

Matron: Chris Sibley

Principal: Elizabeth Ramos

Lou Ann: Samanta Montoya

Tammy: Avril Guzman

Fender/Guard: Angel Velasquez

Brenda: Esmeralda Maya Cisneros

Sketch: Aaron Aguilar

Shelly: Sofia Alatorre

IQ: Damian Oliva

Gilbert/Dance Captain: Justin Allen

Duane: Lionel Black

Stone: Dahmir Scullark

Lorraine: Chris Sibley

Cindy/Gym Teacher: Laila Gordon

Dynamites: Makayla Simmons, SaN’iyah Glover, and Khaniya Twyman

Corny’s Council: Samanta Montoya, Avril Guzman, Khaniya Twyman, Angel Velasquez, Esmeralda Maya Cisneros, Aaron Aguilar, Sofia Alatorre and Damian Oliva

Maybelle’s Kids: Justin Allen, Lionel Black, Dahmir Scullark, Chris Sibley, Laila Gorden

Dance Captains: Samantha Martinez, Justin Allen

Tickets are $12 for reserved seating and can be purchased in advance online.