Southwestern College’s Summer Theatre Festival presents “Hairspray” on Friday and Saturday, July 15 and 16, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 17, at 2 p.m. 

“Hairspray” is a musical set in 1962 that has a theme that centers on unity and bringing diverse populations of people together. The show’s main character, Tracy Turnblad, enthusiastically works to unite two different dance groups to be together on the hit “Corny Collins Show.” Because the show features many diverse characters it provides the opportunity for performers of a variety of ages, cultural background, talents, and experience.  A total of 85 performers auditioned for a role in “Hairspray”, a total of 56 were chosen.  

Angie Thompson, Wichita, plays the lead role of Tracy Turnblad. 

“I don’t feel like that Tracy strives to be accepted by anyone; I feel like she tries to accept everyone and hopes for the same in return,” Thompson says.  “She wants to live in a world where everyone can be as happy with themselves as she is with herself.” 

Dan Campbell, Southwestern College Campus Player, plays the gender-swapped role of Tracy’s mother Edna Turnblad. Campbell mentioned that he has always wanted to play the role of Edna and that his favorite part about Edna is when she finds her joy again. 

“She had lost her joy,” Campbell says, “and then she realized that she doesn’t have to be a particular weight to be joyful.” 

This is Campbell’s 47th show at Southwestern College.

Nathaniel Lee, Winfield, plays the role of Seaweed, an African American dancer who befriends Tracy and introduces her to the rest of the misfit Motormouth Kids. Lee says it has been a challenge embodying the character of Seaweed.

“Seaweed is just so suave; I’m a quiet guy, and he’s cool,” Lee says.  “He’s comfortable doing anything, and I sit back and watch.” 

Jonathan Lane, Colwich, is working with the musical both on and off stage. Along with playing the role of a Corny Collins Council Kid, he is also the show’s stage manager. Lane has enjoyed working with the diverse cast of “Hairspray.”

“Truth be told, it’s what theatre is - people coming together,” Lane says.  “People you never knew from places you’ve never even heard of coming together, working on a show to put on for other people, making them happy, just doing their job as thespians.” 

Skylar Markley, Winfield, is playing a Corny Collins Council Kid, a role that requires a lot of precise and stylized dancing. Markley has six years of dancing experience from being trained in ballet, tap, jazz, and tumbling at The Edge in Winfield. Markley says it has been a challenging and rewarding experience so far.  

“The challenges of this show, for me, has been the singing with the dancing along with the new styles of dance,” Markley says. “It’s different dancing with people that you’re not used to dancing with every single day too.” 

According to Moon, the entire cast is doing an excellent job. 

“Because of the equal demands for every performer to act, sing, and dance, this production has provided a considerable challenge We have had enormous growth from every member of the cast,” Moon says. 

The show will be performed as an optional dinner theatre in partnership with The Eatery (July 15) and Kathryn’s restaurant (July 16-17), and ticket options for show only or shows with dinner are available.  Dinner times for the shows on July 15 and 16 will be at 6 p.m., with the show at 7:30 p.m.  Dinner on July 17 will be at 12:30 p.m., with the show at 2 p.m. The dinners will be served at The Eatery on Friday and at Kathryn’s on Saturday and Sunday. Menu options For Kathryn’s include grilled chicken, beef, or pork steak, a salad, and two side dishes (The Eatery menu options are still to be determined). Tickets for dinner and show are $25.  Show-only tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth. The show is appropriate for the entire family. 

For tickets and information, call the SC box office at (620) 221-7720 or (620) 229-6171.