Lyceum season opens June 3 with 'Hairspray'

The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre opens the 2009 season Wednesday, June 3, with the Tony Award-winning musical "Hairspray."

There will be two performances that day starting with a matinee at 2 p.m. and an evening performance at 8 p.m.

With a technical crew of 19 people arriving the second week in May, followed by 27 cast members late in May, Arrow Rock has increased by more than half its population size thanks to the Lyceum Theatre's 2009 season-opening production.

The lengthy and involved audition process took place in several cities across Missouri as well as New York this winter.

"This season's cast may possibly be the most credentialed we've ever seen," said Lyceum Artistic Director and the director of "Hairspray," Quin Gresham. "Scores of impressive credits, including several Broadway shows, demonstrate the Lyceum's ability to attract the best of the best each season."

Winner of eight Tony Awards, the musical "Hairspray" takes place in Baltimore in 1962.

Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, wins a spot on the local TV dance program, "The Corny Collins Show."

Overnight, she is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. Can this big girl with a passion to dance win the love of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do?

The Lyceum Theatre's production of "Hairspray" contains several actors from both the Broadway production as well as the national tour.

Annie Funke, a new face to the Lyceum, plays Tracy Turnblad, a role she performed regionally and on Broadway.

From the national tour of Hairspray, the Lyceum welcomes Yvette Monique Clark, Sharon Malane and Pearl Thomas who play Amber Von Tussell, Motormouth Maybelle and Tracy's best friend Penny, respectively.

Daryl Vaughan, a Lyceum favorite, will return to play Tracy's mother, Edna Turnblad, a role played by Divine in the original John Waters film, by Harvey Fierstein on Broadway and, most recently, by John Travolta in the film adaptation.

Daryl Vaughan has been involved in more than 50 Lyceum productions beginning in 1983 as either an actor, director or choreographer.

"Lyceum audiences will thrill at the sight of Daryl playing this role," Gresham said. "I can't think of anyone better to play this role!"

Also returning to the Lyceum stage are Len Pfluger as Corny Collins and David Hemsley Caldwell as Wilbur Turnblad.

"I sat in on one of the first rehearsals and was completely blown away by how amazing they all sound," said Lyceum Marketing Director Jackie Buckley. "Everyone involved in this production is so incredibly talented, from the set designer, musical director (and) choreographer to the actors on stage."

Rounding out the cast are Marcy McGuigan, Stephen Lukas, Neil Totton, Brandice Manuel, Anne Marie Bills, Harold Hynick, Leo Christopher Sheridan, Jerome Lowe, Julius Williams, Galen Crawley, J.P. Qualters, Liz Ali, Jonathan Cable, Leah Franklin, Stephen Petrovich, Shinah McLean, Mason McCloud, Taprina Augustine, Brit West and Ayana Major Bey.

The production team includes Kristen Nordstrom, choreographer; James R. Woodland, musical director; Tim Case, scenic designer; Randy B. Winder, lighting designer; and Garth Dunbar, costume designer. The production stage manager is Tony Dearing. Assistant stage manager is Sarah Allison.

"Hairspray" runs June 3-13. There will be six matinee performances at 2 p.m. -- June 3, 6, 7, 10, 11 and 13 -- and six evening performances at 8 p.m. -- June 3, 5, 6, 10, 12 and 13.

For tickets call 660-837-3311 or visit www.lyceumtheatre.org.