'Hairspray' musical brings story of acceptance to DeKalb

During a time of segregation and discrimination, the musical “Hairspray,” set in Baltimore in the early 1960s, tells a story about breaking down social barriers and accepting people for who they are. DeKalb’s Stage Coach Players will present that story starting today.

The show, directed by Jan Kuntz, focuses on a plus-size teen girl’s determination to fulfill her dream of dancing on a live television show. The production opens today at 7:30 p.m., with performances this weekend at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The show continues next weekend.

In the story, Tracy Turnblad, played by Sycamore High School senior Riley Powers, wants to dance on the Corny Collins show, but has been overlooked because of her size. During her quest to appear on the show, she befriends African-American students, who are allowed only to dance on the show on “Negro Day,” and learns many lessons about segregation and acceptance along the way.

Kuntz, who has directed several shows at Stage Coach, said she has high standards for “Hairspray,” and is very impressed with the talent of the 60 cast members, who come from all parts of DeKalb County. The show features high-energy, upbeat music and more than 20 dance numbers.

“I’ve got a lot of passion for this show,” she said. “The songs are amazing, and the show has a very moving, poignant story. We have people of all backgrounds coming together for the common purpose of telling this story for the community to enjoy. This is an important story and we need some positivity in our world. We’re barraged with negativity, and this is a story of accepting everyone for who they are.”

Powers, 17, said playing the role of Tracy has always been a dream, partly because she can relate well to the character. This is her first lead role, and she said while performing at Stage Coach is much more difficult than performing in a school play, she loves putting in the hard work.

“Being on stage is an unbelievable feeling. You work hard and they push you, but the outcome is incredible,” she said. “It’s an incredible experience to be able to bring this story to life. It warms my heart. We’re telling a story of racism and injustice, which we are still involved with today, and I want people to feel the sense of hope that Tracy and the cast bring.”

AJ Smith, 18, plays the role of Seaweed J. Stubbs, a black teenager who, like Tracy, wants to dance on the Corny Collins show. Smith’s mother, Monique Smith, plays Motormouth Maybelle, Seaweed’s mother in the show. AJ Smith said at first he was a little unsure about working so closely with his mother, but the DeKalb High School graduate said he is enjoying it.

“This is the first time we’ve worked together, and I thought it would be weird. But we help each other and encourage each other,” he said. “I want the audience to feel like they just saw an amazing show. The set is out of this world. Everyone has worked so hard.”

The role of Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s mother, is traditionally played by a man in drag. Lindenwood resident Dan Hyde has that honor in this show, and he said it took him a while to get used to playing a woman.

“I’m enjoying the role now, but it felt a little different at first,” he said. “I’ve done a lot of shows at Stage Coach but this is the hardest role because I’ve never thought about being a woman before. I’m learning about being a woman, and Edna is learning all about the world of the ’60s, including integration.”

As for the audience, they can expect a lot of great songs and lots of dancing, Kuntz said. Tickets are selling fast, but they are still available.

“I’m so proud of this show,” she said. “Everyone who’s worked on this, from the set designers to the sound and lighting people just loves what they do and take pride in watching it come together. The audience will walk away feeling good.”

Stage Coach Theatre is at 126 S. Fifth St. in DeKalb. To purchase tickets, visit www.stagecoachers.com or call the box office at 815-758-1940.

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If you go

WHAT: Stage Coach Players’ “Hairspray”

WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and March 16-18, 2 p.m. Sunday and March 19

WHERE: Stage Coach Theatre, 126 S. Fifth St., DeKalb

TICKETS: $18-20

INFORMATION: www.stagecoachers.com or 815-758-1940