After months of hard work, the Ellis Theater Guild is finally bringing Hairspray to life in Hill’s very own theater tonight! The cast and crew are all ecstatic for opening night. Prepare to get your mind blown by one of the most ambitious theatrical productions to date.

This musical is grand; and that’s not only because it is two hours and 15 minutes long. Director Chris McGriff added his own pizzazz to Hairspray that makes the production extraordinary. Just picture the Hairspray you know and love with a brand-new zest added to the mix. Walk into the theater and it feels like you’ve been transported to a whole new world. This McGriff production is filled with surprises you’ll never see coming. It is an overwhelming experience in the best way possible.

Over the course of the past several weeks, both cast and crew have been working nonstop to get ready for opening night. The cast did a silent run through where the actors focused on motions, expressions, and sounds (like screams or claps) without saying their lines or singing. It was a method to get in touch with their characters in a different way. 

Speaking of characters, Hairspray has got quite the ensemble. From the spirited Tracy Turnblad to the feisty Amber von Tussle, this musical is filled with characters with big personalities. 

“I love playing Amber,” cast member Cordelia Davies ’23 said. “It’s really fun to play her angry.” 

Indeed, the entire cast has had a blast with their characters and their energy will definitely blow the audience away.

Of course, the cast is not the only thing about Hairspray that shines. The tech team has dedicated hours of hard work to create a beautiful set for this musical. With several months of work, the entire crew pitched in to complete small pieces of the puzzle, whether it be construction, painting, lighting, sound or so much more. In the final weeks before the show, all these pieces fell into place to create a finished set for Hairspray. The results of their efforts exceed all expectations. The CFTA has been transformed into something completely different. It is beyond anything you might dream of. You will truly be able to see, hear, and feel the ’60s flare in a space blasted with neon colors. 

Hairspray is a lively performance that will leave you speechless. You won’t be able to stop yourself from humming along to all the songs, and you will certainly be in awe of everything in the show.