Birmingham Resident Timothy Higgins Directs 'Hairspray' May 6 - 20

Grosse Pointe Theatre will close its 64th season with the award-winning musical Hairspray, offering 10 performances: May 6, 9-13 and 17-20.

The production is nonstop entertainment from overture to closing curtain, with more than 20 musical and dance numbers. For the show's director and choreographer, Timothy Higgins of Birmingham, this has been a labor of love, nearly two years in the making.

"I saw Hairspray on Broadway five years ago and I absolutely loved it," said Higgins. "The story, the music, the characters, the dancing. And, above all, its timeless, inspiring message of acceptance and respect for others.

"I encouraged Grosse Pointe Theatre to consider doing Hairspray and I put in to direct it. I thought it was time that we presented a production that not only showcases the amazing culturally diverse talent we have here in metro Detroit, I also felt the show's message – that we are one human family blessed with unique differences as well as similarities – should be celebrated and embraced. How relevant this message is even today, let alone in the 1960's. Communicating this through humor and uplifting musical selections just seemed too good an opportunity to pass up."

 Higgins did his homework, researching the show and making sure that every detail was in sync with what was happening at that time. There were dance workshops prior to auditions to familiarize people with some of the 1960's dance styles that are incorporated in the show. Altogether, there were more than 120 people who came out for the dance workshops and auditions last January.

Hairspray takes place in 1962 in Baltimore, MD, and is seen through the eyes of a pleasantly plump, happy-go-lucky teenage girl, Tracy Turnblad, who has a dream of one day dancing on the popular Corny Collins Show.

"We journey with Tracy as she interacts with the other characters and we experience her enthusiastic determination to make a difference," said Higgins. "In the end, Tracy, in her naive yet charming way, wins the hearts of others, including Link Larkin's, and ultimately integrates a television network.

"This is a story we can all relate to, with many characters dealing with their own challenges and everyone just wanting to be accepted. I believe this show is so inspirational, as the most unlikely of characters, Tracy Turnblad, becomes the catalyst for significant change, well beyond integrating a television station."

Higgins has been an active member of Grosse Pointe Theatre since 1985. This show marks his forth time in the dual role of director and choreographer. He also served that dual responsibility in 2010 with Grease, which proved to be one of the most successful productions in the history of Grosse Pointe Theatre; as well as West Side Story in 2000, and Mack and Mabel in 1993. Higgins has also choreographed and performed for many other productions. 

Grosse Pointe Theatre's Hairspray will be performed at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial Fries Auditorium, 32 Lakeshore Rd., in Grosse Pointe Farms.

All performances are at 8 p.m. except for Sundays, which are at 2 p.m. Performances are $24 per ticket and parking is free. There will also be a special Ladies Night Out on May 9, sponsored by the Spirit of Women at Beaumont Grosse Pointe. This special evening begins with a 5:30 p.m. reception and features a variety of retail, food stations and a martini and wine cash bar. The reception is followed by an 8 p.m. performance of Hairspray. Cost for the May 9 Ladies Night Out is $45 per ticket.