Set in 1962 Baltimore, Hairspray follows Tracy Turnblad, a big-hearted teenager with even bigger dreams of dancing on the popular local television program The Corny Collins Show. When Tracy earns a spot on the show, she quickly becomes a local sensation and catches the attention of teen heartthrob Link Larkin. But Tracy soon realizes that not everyone is given the same opportunity to dance in the spotlight. With the help of her friends, Tracy sets out to challenge the show's segregation and prove that everyone deserves a chance to be seen, heard, and celebrated.

Along the way, Tracy faces the scheming television producer Velma Von Tussle and her equally determined daughter, Amber, while finding support from her loving parents, Edna and Wilbur, and new friends including Seaweed, Little Inez, and Motormouth Maybelle. Armed with confidence, determination, and plenty of unforgettable dance moves, Tracy discovers that changing the world sometimes begins with having the courage to stand up for what is right.

Bursting with high-energy 1960s-inspired rock and roll, rhythm and blues, infectious dancing, colorful characters, and plenty of comedy, Hairspray is an uplifting celebration of acceptance, inclusion, friendship, and standing up against discrimination. With a large ensemble and numerous memorable roles, the show provides exciting opportunities for singers, dancers, actors, and featured performers. At its heart, Hairspray reminds audiences that change is possible when people have the courage to challenge unfairness—and that everyone deserves their chance to dance.

Music: Marc Shaiman

Lyrics: Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman

Book: Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan

Based on: The 1988 film Hairspray, written and directed by John Waters.

Notable Recognition: Winner of 8 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Book of a Musical.

Hairspray

May 14-30, 2027

Venue: Mesa Arts Center 1 E Main St, Mesa, AZ 85201

Understudy Shows:

Sunday, November 9th at 2:30

Saturday, November 15th at 2:30

Saturday, November 22nd at 7:30 PM

Cast


  • Addie Jensen: Nun, Sister Mary Patrick (u/s)

  • Cam Blackwell: Eddie (Red Cast)

  • Camryn Simone: Deloris Van Cartier (Red Cast), Michelle (Blue Cast)

  • Charlotte Strayhorne: Sister Mary Theresa

  • Cornell Reed: Ensemble, TJ (Swing)

  • Courtnei Carey: Deloris Van Cartier (Blue Cast), Michelle (Red Cast)

  • David Heap: Monsignor O'Hara

  • Dawn Gunderson: Mother Superior (Blue Cast)

  • Devin Baheshone: Eddie (Blue Cast)

  • Devyn Firestine: Sister Mary Robert (Red Cast)

  • Elizabeth Eastin: Nun, Ensemble

  • Hannah Bickerstaff: Nun, Ensemble

  • Hannah Hutchison: Nun, Ensemble

  • Jamie Graves: Sister Mary Patrick, Nun (u/s)

  • Jesus Diaz: Pablo

  • Jordan Applegate: Sister Mary Lazarus

  • Justin Fallon: Monsignor O'Hara (u/s), Ernie (Swing)

  • Lauren South: Nun, Ensemble, Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours (swing)

  • Lee DeFord: Pope Paul VI, Newscaster

  • Makenzie Winans: Nun, Sister Mary Lazarus (Swing)

  • Marlene Gerstman: Sister Mary Martin-of-Tours

  • Melody Startzell: Nun

  • Mike Zollars: Joey

  • Neaja Thomas: Tina, Nun

  • Randi Jill Condit: Mother Superior (Red Cast)

  • Semaj Morgan: Ensemble, Joey (u/s)

  • Stephen Andrews: Ernie

  • Sydnie Navaho: Sister Mary Robert (Blue Cast)

  • Tyler Fleck: Curtis

  • Zane Dupuis: TJ

Crew


  • Brianna Fallon: Director & Artistic Director

  • Cheryl Briley: Technical Director

  • Lorelee Godden: Production Manager

  • Jacob Anderson: Stage Manager

  • Kayla Rydalch: Assistant Stage Manager

  • Ashley Bauer-Webb: Choreographer

  • Michael Samuel: Music Director

  • Zach Krenytzky:mScenic Design

  • Lauren Buzbee: Scenic Painter

  • Colin Patrick: Costume Design

  • Lewis Eckman: Properties Design

  • Brianna Fallon: Sound Design

  • Rob Littlefield: Lighting Design

  • Devon Christopher Adams: Photographer