Arts & Entertainment

Stagecrafters' 'Hairspray' is all About Big Hair, Big Fun

Community theater group features local actors in the award-winning musical Friday-June 12 at the Baldwin Theatre in downtown Royal Oak.

Theatergoers can look forward to a lot of "good hair days" when rolls out the irresistible musical comedy Hairspray starting Friday at the in downtown Royal Oak.

Hairspray relives the music, pop culture and teased updos of the 1960s with Tracy Turnblad (played by Danielle Morris of Novi) –  a girl with big hair and even bigger dreams – in this uplifting production.  

After winning a spot on the local TV dance program, The Corny Collins Show, Tracy becomes an overnight teen sensation. With change in the air, even Tracy's shy mother Edna, played by Joe Bailey of Ferndale (in drag), gets caught up in the transformation.

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"It's a tradition to have the role of Edna played by a man," Stagecrafters marketing manager Collen Muench said. Divine played the role in the 1988 John Waters film of the same title, as did John Travolta in the 2007 movie version.

Tickets for the show are selling well, Muench said. "We have a melody of current patrons and younger patrons interested in this production that spans so many age groups. Everyone is going to enjoy it," she said.

Find out what's happening in Royal Oakwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Anna Marck, a junior at , plays Tracy's flighty best friend Penny Pingleton. Marck has appeared in many Stagecrafters' Youth Theatre productions, but this is her first Main Stage show. "It's been a very rough journey for me," said Marck, who has to deal with the pressures of school, homework, co-curricular activities and evening rehearsals. "I've learned a lot through this experience. It was stressful at first, but it's fun now."

For the price of a haircut, you can purchase a ticket to this hair-raising good time at the Baldwin Theatre. Advance tickets are $18 and $20, and may be purchased at the box office, online at www.stagecrafters.org or by phone at 248-541-6430.

Hairspray teaser

A special Ladies Night Out performance has been added on Thursday. The evening is a fundraiser for Stagecrafters and patrons will see the final dress rehearsal along with some pre-show festivities.

Hairspray is a logical choice for an "LNO," said Development Director Lesley Braden-Phillips. "The show changes the way we view the world. That message meshes well with women," she said.

Thursday's pre-glow fun begins at 6:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear their grooviest attire. Royal Oak's will offer five-minute '60s inspired updos for anyone interested. For those in need of retail therapy, will have accessories and clothing for sale. will provide light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available.

There were only a few $25 tickets left for Ladies Night Out. Order online or by calling 248-541-6430 or from Royal Oak Patch and Stagecrafters.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here