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Summerset Theatre will open with “Hairspray the Broadway Musical,” on Friday June 20, as  part of its 57th Season. The event will run through June 29 with a total of seven performances at the Frank W.  Bridges Theatre. 

“Hairspray,” winner of eight Tony Awards, tackles the topic of race relations in the 1960s and entertains with some  of the “campiest” music ever written for the stage.

“We have wanted to put on this show for some time, but the  rights have been restricted in recent years,” says John Deyo, co-executive director of Summerset Theatre. “This production features a huge diverse cast, impressive dance moves, and challenging music. Audience members  should be ready to be entertained. You don’t want to miss this one.”

Hairspray transports us back in time to 1962 in Baltimore. The lovable plus-size teenager, Tracy Turnblad wants  to be accepted and has just one desire: to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes  true, Tracy is transformed from a social outcast into an overnight sensation. She must use her newfound fame  to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate the television  network—all without ruining her fabulous hairstyle.

“It has been an absolute joy working on this production with an amazing group of talented individuals,” says  Randal J. Forster, the director of this production. “We have cast members from Austin, Albert Lea, Blooming  Prairie, Rochester, and even La Crescent joining us on stage for this production. When we decided to select this  show for Season 57, we knew it was going to be a challenge to produce. It’s a big show with a lot of dancing, a  lot of costumes, and a lot of wigs! However, it became very clear to me that “Hairspray” was the right show for today.  We need to celebrate diversity and embrace everything that makes us different.”

“Hairspray the Broadway musical”

June 20, 21, 26, 27, 28 at 7 p.m.; June 22, 29, 2 p.m.

Frank W. Bridges Theatre, Riverland Community College

• $20 Adults in Advance | • • $12 Students in Advance

• $22 Adults at the Door | • $14 Students at the Door

For more information & tickets, visit: www.summersettheatre.org

Hairspray is presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International (MTI)

Season Sponsors for 2025 include the following: The Hormel Foundation, the Austin Area Foundation, and funds  from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council (SEMAC). Summerset Season 57 is made possible by the voters  of Minnesota through a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to a legislative  appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

 Cast

Tracy Turnblad — Makenna Fox

Edna Turnblad — Lucas Johnson

Wilbur Turnblad — James Zschunke

Corny Collins — Isaac Volbrecht

Penny Pingleton — Jannel Howard

Prudy Pingleton — Heather Kjos Schmit

Velma Von Tussle — Kaye Perry

Amber Von Tussle — Kelsey Clarke

Link Larkin — Mason Simon

Motormouth Maybelle — LaSonya Natividad

Seaweed J. Stubbs — Dre Withers

Little Inez — Kenna Barren

Tammy — Zoee Sorenson

Shelley — Mallory Brown

Brenda — Jacelyn Rudderow

Lou Ann — Jocelyn Voth

Brad — Jackson Bighley

Fender — Kolby Vigeland

Sketch — Ethan Brandt

IQ — CJ Turcotte

Judine — Kaiah Gibson

Kamilah — Lois Adjowui

Shayna — Lorone OutLaw

Gilbert — Kuol Dual

Duane — Reinier Quesda

Loraine — Sara Gora

Mr. Spritzer/Mr. Pinky — Sean Mathiesen

Gym Teacher/Guard —Mackenze Wiseman

Homeless Person — Maggie Bremner

Ensemble — Stephanie Galvin, Moyra Voigt, Molly Robbins, Celeste Rose, Mayzie Paulsen

The Hairspray Orchestra

Conductor — Diane Heaney

Keyboard One — Brian Johnson

Keyboard Two — Claire Pepper

Bass — Scott Anderson

Drums — Blake Zimmerli, Cortney Christianson Guitar One — Josh Whalen

Guitar — Two Rod Wiese

Violin One — Jennifer Kittleson

Violin Two — Jacob Crosby

Reed One — Colin Zidlicky

Reed Two — Amy Wightkin

Trumpet — Tim Davis, Rich Zeller

Trombone — Courtney Horstmann

Creative Team

Director — Randal J. Forster

Associate Director — Melissa Johnson

Vocal Director — Diane Heaney

Technical Director — John Deyo

Co-Choreographers — Dylan Kaercher, Marny Rohr

Stage Manager — Kayla Byram

Costume Design — Madlain Vander

Hair and Makeup/Wigs — Rachel Cole, Dylan Kaercher

Design Assistant — Molly Robbins