By JESSE GRAHAM
STUDENTS will be taking to the stage next month as part of Healesville High School’s new production of Hairspray, and are pulling out all stops for the performance.
The production, which opens on Wednesday 27 August, has been the subject of a rigorous training schedule for the students, who donated their time on the school holidays for six days of rehearsals.
Performing Arts Centre manager Troy Jansen said the students had been tirelessly preparing for the show since March, and that almost 50 students were taking part.
Hairspray is a romantic comedy that focuses on Tracey Turnblad, a dancer in the 1960s, who is launched to stardom and campaigns for integration in the show she performs on.
“The moment we mentioned the name Hairpsray last year, it’s taken off like wildfire,” Mr Jansen said.
Mr Jansen said the cast had been practicing three days a week since March, with extra days on school holidays, and that he was proud of the effort students had been putting in.
Students will also be running sound, lighting, graphics and technical support throughout the performance.
In a new addition to the school’s production schedule, local band Exploded View will be playing music live to accompany the performances.
Mr Jansen said Exploded View’s participation in the show was an example of the widespread community support the school received with its productions.
“We always do really well with the community support – we couldn’t pull off what we do on our budget alone,” he said.
“It pretty much saves us – without the community, we couldn’t do it.”
Hairspray will be performed daily from Wednesday 27 August to Saturday 30 August, with shows from 7.30pm and an extra 2pm matinee performance on the Saturday.
Tickets are $22 for adults, $12 for concession holders and $50 for a family pass of two adults and two children.
For more information, visit www.healesvillehs.vic.edu.au, call 5962 4088 or visit the school’s general office at 10 Camerons Road, Healesville.
