Hair height isn’t just a fad; it’s an entire show.

Hairspray, a production emphasizing the cultural divide and styles of the ‘60s, is being performed this year by the Allegros.

Hairspray is a show that was wildly popular on Broadway, winning eight Tony awards out of 13 nominations in 2007.
It includes a large cast with plenty of featured characters, and what’s even better is that it hasn’t yet been done in the area; the rights were released for amateur casts to purchase in the beginning of summer last year.

The performances are March 24, 25, and 26 at 7:30 p.m. with a 3 p.m. matinee on March 26. Tickets are on sale now at both the Coffee House and the choir office and cost $6 for students and $13 for adults; they will also be sold at the door.

Directors Molly and Shawn Lawton said they were excited about the show from the start.

“We jumped on (Hairspray), wanting to be one of the first in the area to do it,” Ms. Lawton said. “Audiences are going to go berserk for this show; it’s colorful, funny, upbeat, deep in its message and story of acceptance for all, with an amazing, fun script accompanied by a toe-tapping score that will leave people feeling really upbeat.”

More reasons for their explosive choice are that it’s modern and a show that is almost guaranteed to attract an audience.

“This show will attract the younger crowds; older, more seasoned shows attract a different audience,” Ms. Lawton said.

This production will feature a cast of 65 students, several of whom are featured prominently in the show.

“Hairspray allows for a lot of leads,” Mr. Lawton said. “With all the talent in Mona Shores, we try to avoid shows that would only really focus on one or two people. There are lots of people featured singing and dancing on stage.”

Ms. Lawton said she loves this show because the cast is full of colorful characters and humorous situations, and part of what makes it such a fun and popular show is that there is a deeper message clearly written in among all the light humor and high-energy song and dance.

The cast is already in love with the production. At rehearsals, they participate with enthusiasm. It is evident that they are all looking forward to showing off their final product to audiences in the next month. The entire process (from competitive audition week to winter rehearsals to the insanity of tech week) is an intense bonding experience as well as an example of the commitment of students.

Ms. Lawton said, “High school kids are like magic carpets to me; harness their incredible energy, and we can all fly on the winds of their spirits.”