RIT/NTID Performing Arts presents ‘Hairspray’

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NTID Performing Arts presents Hairspray April 24–May 3 at the Robert F. Panara Theatre, Lyndon Baines Johnson Hall.

NTID Performing Arts at Rochester Institute of Technology presents its musical production of Hairspray, featuring a cast of deaf and hearing actors performing roles simultaneously. Performances at the Robert F. Panara Theatre, Lyndon Baines Johnson Hall, run 7:30 p.m. April 24, 25, 30 and May 1; and 2 p.m. April 26 and May 3. Tickets—$5 for students and senior citizens, and $7 for all others—can be purchased by email at ntidtix@rit.edu.

Directed by Luane Davis-Haggerty and choreographed by Thomas Warfield, Hairspray is a family-friendly musical set in Baltimore in 1962. Lovable, plus-sized teen Tracy Turnblad has one desire—to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She decides to use her newfound fame to dethrone the reigning teen queen, win the affection of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a TV network.

The production is presented simultaneously by deaf actors who sign the lines and hearing actors who speak the lines.

“In our production we bridge deaf and hearing cultures,” said Davis-Haggerty, senior lecturer in NTID’s Department of Cultural and Creative Studies. “The story of Hairspray features the themes of integration and acceptance of difference, so I have directed the show using two people to represent each role—one signing and one singing and speaking. In our global world, we all need to become ‘bridge people’ in order to bridge cultures, languages and points of view. In this production, we are able to reach out to the audience and have made the show accessible to deaf and hearing people of all ages.”

To see a flash mob featuring the Hairspray performers, go to the "NTID Performing Arts: Hairspray Flash Mob "You Can't Stop the Beat"" video.