Columbia Secondary School
Presents
Hairspray the Musical
2019
The script of Hairspray tackles many issues.
They are disguised by fun songs, upbeat dances and humor, which make the issues approachable. We navigated body shaming, racism, gender roles and stereotypes by giving each other permission to explore these issues and talk about them – and then sing about them!
Exclusion because of appearance, whether based on weight, gender, ethnicity or race, is a dismissal of possibilities. When we open up our ideas about others and truly see someone as a bundle of potential, we expand our own sense of identity and what is possible for ourselves. We all grow and are richer because of it.
Throughout the rehearsal experience, there was a sense of buoyancy in the room. From the play and through the characters, we learned that moments of adversity can be opportunities to expand our ideas and to take actions that are inclusive. We were all in this together, creating space for students of all genders and people of all shapes, sizes, colors and creeds. We worked hard to serve a common goal and make something beautiful, and there truly was space for everyone.
Seaweed’s line,”… detention is a rainbow experience”, references what we strive to create in the musical theater community at Columbia Secondary School. We are not only putting on a show but we are creating a safe space where everyone belongs and is free to explore the infinite possibilities of who they are.
On behalf of the entire creative team and the cast, thank you for joining us and celebrating in this musical experience where “…sweet freedom is our goal!”
-Joey Brenneman, Director
