Canton Residents Share the Spotlight in 'Hairspray'

When Spotlight Players take the stage this month in the production of "Hairspray," the audience may recognize some of the faces. 

Several Canton residents make up the cast of the show.

“Hairspray” the musical is based on the 1988 John Waters film of the same name. The show has won numerous Tony awards, and solidified a place for hits like “You Can’t Stop the Beat” in the Broadway cannon.

“The big message is for the black teens and the white teens to come together and dance on stage to fight segregation,” said Canton resident Briana Bradley, who attained the coveted lead role of Tracy Turnblad.

Tracy thinks she wants nothing more than to dance on the Corny Collins television show alongside teen heartthrob Link Larkin, but later uses her new-found fame to confront the social injustices of her time. 

“My favorite scene would probably have to be ‘Without Love’ because I think it’s a really awesome message,” said Nick Rapson of Canton, who plays the charming, perfectly coiffed Link Larkin. “It’s just a lot of fun to have pretty much the entire cast on stage singing and dancing about the same thing.”

Both Rapson and Bradley are friends in real life, adding depth to the hairy 
situations that entangle them during the performance.

“I think that the show has something for everybody,” said Jeff Foust of Canton. “The older generation will really enjoy the 60s feel of the music and the younger generation will really enjoy the costumes and the dancing.” Foust is strapping on the heels one more time as he steps into the role of Tracy’s eccentric shut-in mother, Edna Turnblad. This will be Foust’s second time taking on the part.

Jake Zinke of Canton plays Wilbur Turnblad, Tracy’s loveable and quirky father. Though his character doesn’t put on his dancing shoes as much as other cast members, he is quick to praise the musical aspects of the show. “The quality of the music is phenomenal,” he said. “The singing is amazing and the choreography of the show really features some great dancing.”

Spotlight Players presents “Hairspray” Sept. 13-15 and Sept. 20-22 at the Cherry Hill Village Theater. Friday and Saturday performances start at 8 p.m. Sunday matinee performances begin at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available through the Spotlight Players website spotlightplayersmi.org or by calling the box office at 734-394-5300.

Source: news release