"Hairspray" cast profile: Lauren Wright

GCP newcomer Lauren Wright joins the Motormouth Kids as Cindy Watkins in "Hairspray"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
LW: I’m playing Cindy Watkins. She is one of the Motormouth Kids. Cindy enjoys dancing and hanging out with her friends. She’s a quiet person most of the time but can also speak her mind when necessary.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
LW: “Hairspray” is my first musical. My previous shows have been dance performances at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts – most recently “The Nutcracker” with the Dance Alive National Ballet.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Hairspray"?
LW: I auditioned because I like the performing arts. I’ve participated in the Rising Star Performing Arts Academy and Hippodrome Theater Arts summer camp.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show, and why?
LW: My favorite musical number is hearing Kathy sing “I Know Where I’ve Been.”

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Hairspray"?
LW: I think people should see “Hairspray” because it’s funny!

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
LW: I can’t think of any specific dream role, but I’d like to be in “Wicked.” I’ve seen it in Los Angeles, Orlando & New York.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
LW: I’m looking forward to attending P.K. Yonge for high school. Also, thanks to my aunt, I've attended the Academy Awards twice!

Thanks, Lauren!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Hairspray" cast profile: Kristin Mercer

Kristin Mercer's Velma Von Tussle relives her pageant days in "Hairspray"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
KM: Velma Von Tussle is the scheming producer of the Corny Collins Show and is definitely the show's villain!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows, either at GCP or another theater.
KM: Favorite roles at the GCP include Mavis in "The Murder Room," Ruth in "Blithe Spirit," Marlene in "Daddy's Dyin'," Videllia Sparks in "Sugar Bean Sisters," Chelsea in "On Golden Pond," Truvy in "Steel Magnolias," Alice in "Squabbles," Penny in "You Can't Take it With You," and Nellie in "South Pacific."

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Hairspray"?
KM: I love "Hairspray," Velma is a fabulous villainess role, I hadn't done a musical in many years and, finally, because I wanted to do a show with a couple of very dear friends.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show, and why?
KM: Well, "Miss Baltimore Crabs," of course!

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Hairspray"?
KM: It is just plain fun! People will leave their seats laughing with great show tunes playing "round and round" in their heads!

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
KM: I would love to see GCP do "Noises Off"!

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
KM: I was fortunate enough to do it when I played Nellie in "South Pacific."

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?
KM: It means working with a group of people, who all share a similar passion, to create something wonderful. It means working together as a team. At its best, it means building relationships and sharing a lot of laughter and fun, while putting on a great show.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
KM: If I waited to come up with a really good answer I’d never send this back to you, GCP Girl!

Thanks, Kristin!  Keep Corny in line for us!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Hairspray" cast profile: Alan Medrano

Alan Medrano doubles as the brainy IQ and the creepy gym teacher in "Hairspray"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
AM: I play IQ, who is one of the Corny Collins Council. He's a nerdy and quirky character. I also play the gym teacher, who is a sleazebag. He's just creepy.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
AM: Previously in the GCP, I was in "The Producers." I played Carmen Ghia and won an Apple for that role. At UF, I played Poncho Vargas in "City of Angels" and was a part of the ensemble of "Chicago."

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Hairspray"?
AM: I was excited to keep busy with a fun dance show over the summer. These shows are always a great way to meet new people and to have fun performing.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show, and why?
AM: I'm torn between "Nicest Kids In Town" and "Hairspray." "Nicest Kids" is just such high energy and a blast of a dance number. "Hairspray" is fun because I get to do some partner dancing and it's just a cheesy number.

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Hairspray"?
AM: It's a fun, high energy show. It's got a good book and some pretty good song and dance numbers.

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
AM: I would love to be in a production of Lippa's "John and Jen." Seriously, if you're reading this right now and you've never heard that music before, I suggest you drop what you're doing and download that soundtrack. It's incredible. Other shows I'd love to see produced on this stage include "Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson," "Les Miserables," "Passing Strange," "Spring Awakening," "Bare," "Edges," "Next to Normal" and "In The Heights." But I haven't given it much thought.

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
AM: I think the top of my list for roles I'd love to play is either Frankie Valli in "Jersey Boys" or Bert in "Mary Poppins." Realistically, I think I fit the part of Sonny from "In The Heights" pretty well also, so that's a pretty good role too.

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?
AM: It's a place to meet new people and a place to get people into theatre who have never had the opportunity.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
AM: I'm about to start my last year of school at UF, after which I will be moving to New York to try this whole acting thing professionally.

Thanks, Alan!  "Hairspray" starts its third week tonight - don't miss this show!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Hairspray" guest review!

We might not have had a review in the paper this week for "Hairspray," but we do have one Mrs. Edna Welthorpe’s opinion! Dear, sweet Edna...;-)

Dearest Editor,

I am writing to you because ... well, Heaven knows I feel someone should warn the community.

I recently went to a theater production of Hairspray at the Gainesville Community Playhouse. Well ... if you could call what I saw “theatre.” Theatre should be calm, peaceful, and able to put restless children to sleep. This production was exciting, fast paced, and all too thrilling for me. Had I known there was going to be so much excitement I would have brought an extra Valium to steady my nerves. Although to be fair, I must also admonish my fellow patrons for laughing loudly and clapping continuously. Their rowdy behavior was almost unforgivable.

As soon as the show started, I knew I was going to have problems with the main character Tracy Turnblad as played by Ms. Danielle Pagliara. She was far too energetic, too innocent, and downright too talented. I always assume that I am supposed to hate everyone on stage and she made my job far too difficult. Granted, she does a wonderful job of connecting with the audience to the point where we genuinely care about her. Her triumphs become our triumphs and her sorrow becomes our sorrow. But, as I stated, that is not theatre.

Also, I feel I must contact a lawyer so a formal complaint can be made against the young male talent in this production. When Link, as played by Manny Marichal, sang It Takes Two I thought it was going to be a sweet rendition of a classic. But Mr. Marichal used his hips like a weapon! My poor daughter went screaming from the theater. Had I been able to find my walker, I would have run out too. My poor daughter is still taking cold showers.

On par with Mr. Marichal were Mr. Marcellis Cutler as Seaweed and Mr. Thomas Sanders as Corny Collins. Mr. Cutler and Mr. Sanders need to realize that people do not go to the theater to watch people who can act, sing, AND dance! I found myself feverishly fanning my face when Mr. Cutler would dance. And when Mr. Sanders sang I swear I swooned like a schoolgirl. It was unbecoming for a woman of my age and I apologize for anyone who had to witness it.

As for the ladies, I was simply shocked. Motormouth Maybelle, as played by Ms. Kathy Williams, was far too confident, too beautiful, and too talented. The first time she sang the words “big, blonde, and beautiful” ... I cheered. I was mortified by my behavior. And then when she sang “I Know Where I’ve Been” she forced me to expel liquid from my eyes. My doctor later told me that they were tears, but I am still waiting on a third opinion. Regardless of what they were, Ms. Williams' performance was downright disgraceful for make an audience feel ... emotions.

I must also say that I was very displeased with Ms. Kristin Mercer as Velma Von Tussle and Samantha Fundenberg as Amber Von Tussle. Never before in my life have I wanted to physically attack another woman for being prettier than I. And to add insult to injury, my fellow patrons seemed to love them. Clearly they are witches of some kind and they tricked everyone else into loving to hate them. I simply hated them.

Final Warning: Edna Turnblad is played by a man! How dare they dishonor a beautiful name such as Edna. While I was trying to leave the theater I noticed that the mother role was played by Esteban Alvarez. If my husband were alive he would have punched Mr. Alvarez in the neck ... my husband was a short man and Mr. Alvarez wore ... heels. Since I was alone, I fled the theater and refuse to return until a public apology is issued.

This entire experience will assuredly affect me for weeks. My stomach still turns when I think of all those attractive youths so full of energy and talent. My only hope is that I can save others from experiencing what I experienced. So, for those of you looking for a peaceful and tepid evening at a theater ... STAY AWAY FROM HAIRSPRAY!

Yours Truly,

Edna Welthorpe

Thanks for your opinion, Edna!  (And before you ask, no, I am not Edna Welthorpe! One secret identity is enough, thank you.) :-)

xo xo GCP Girl

"Hairspray" cast profile: Caitlin Hunter

Caitlin Hunter of "Hairspray" talks social change, Shakespeare and her dream role (you'll never guess)!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
CH: I'm in the chorus, and I am Tracy's understudy.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows, either at GCP or another theater.
CH: I've been doing theatre at GCP since I was about 5 years old, but this is my first show at GCP since "Peter Pan" a few years ago. I'm excited to be back onstage with such a great cast!

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Hairspray"?
CH: Mostly because I knew a lot of people who were auditioning and thought it would be a fun show to do. Also, I hadn't been on stage in about two years, and I missed it so much!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show, and why?
CH: I really like "It Takes Two." It's sweet and funny at the same time, and really sets the pace for the romantic aspect of the show. It's just cute, and I can't help but smile during it. Everyone is so in character and into what's going on onstage. What's not to love?

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Hairspray"?
CH: Even though this show takes place "way back" in the '60s, a lot of the messages that shine through are very relevant today. The idea of loving whomever you want to love regardless of social norms, the idea of loving yourself for who you are and embracing the star inside of you, these are things that people need to be reminded of. We live in a place where we are constantly being told what to do, how to do it, and how to feel about it. "Hairspray" reminds people that change is always coming, and just because it might be scary doesn't mean it's not worth it or the right thing.

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
CH: I would love to see GCP tackle Shakespeare. I think we have a lot of innovative thinkers at this theater who could help bring The Bard into the 21st century.

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
CH: I would love to be Elder Cunningham from "The Book Of Mormon." If they ever gender-swapped that show, I would be the first to sign up for auditions. He's just so funny and out there, but with a good heart. He's a very deep character without seeming like it, and I think it would be a fun challenge.

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?
CH: To me, community theater is a safe place. It's a place where you can go to ask for help, and offer it. As actors, we don't get paid. Tech doesn't get paid. We do it because we love it. I think that comes through in our shows at GCP. The love and passion that goes into each performance knocks me off my feet every time. I feel so lucky to have grown up in that environment. It's nice to drive past the theater and think of all the of memories that I've made there.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
CH: Once again, I get to share the stage with my daddy! He's the one who got me involved in theatre, and I couldn't be more thankful. I love that it's our ''thing'' and that he has the Broadway station on Sirius XM programmed in his car just for me (preset number two!). The theatre has brought us closer and I'm just glad that we have this to do together!

Thanks, Caitlin!

xo xo GCP Girl

"All My Sons" cast list

Congrats to the new cast of "All My Sons"!  It's wonderful to see so many new people join the GCP family!

Joe Keller - Michael Martinez-Hamilton
Kate Keller - TBA
Chris Keller - Josh Ludlum
Ann Deever - Jolene Sayers
George Deever - Jim Cooney
Dr. Jim Bayless - Randy Milliner
Sue Bayless - Patricia Kee
Frank Lubey - Dan Christophy
Lydia Lubey - Brittany Steinke
Bert - Jacob Kostansek

"Hairspray" cast profile: Kevin Anderson

Kevin Anderson brings his dancing feet to "Hairspray"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
KA: I play Duane, as well as the bum in the opening sequence. My own internal thought of my character [Duane] is that he is one of the Motormouth Kids, and he loves music and he has a secret that you have to really look for in the show. Let's just say Seaweed wasn't the only one stepping outside of his race.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
KA: In the last show I did at the GCP, I was Tom Collins in "Rent," and I was also in last summer's production of "Anything Goes"!

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Hairspray"?
KA: IT'S "HAIRSPRAY"! It's big and fun and dance galore! It's one of those shows where not only the audience goes home laughing and smiling, but also the actors will.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show, and why?
KA: I don't know why, but I love "The Madison."  It's like the cha cha slide in the '60s. "You Can't Stop the Beat" is pretty fun, too.

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Hairspray"?
KA: Like I said, it's "Hairspray"! People are going to leave the theater laughing and smiling because the show is an awesome show. It has it all, from the tears and fears to the happy and the sappy!

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
KA: "LA CAGE AUX FOLLES"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
KA: Tom Collins in "Rent" and one of the Les Cagelles in "La Cage Aux Folles."

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?
KA: It means bringing different people together and everyone being passionate about theatre. We volunteer a lot of time at the theater, and you have to have a love of meeting new people and loving theatre.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know.
KA: Well, I'm an Aquarius, I like long walks at the zoo, and...oh, COME SEE "HAIRSPRAY"!!!

Thanks, Kevin!  The second week of "Hairspray" starts tonight, and tickets are selling fast!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Hairspray" cast profile: Belle Kissinger

Belle Kissinger makes her GCP debut as Tammy, one of the "nicest kids in town," in "Hairspray"!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.

BK: I play Tammy, one of the Corny Collins Council dancers, in “Hairspray.” Tammy is not really developed in the show, so I made up a little life story for her. I portray her as a shy, nice girl who struggles between doing what she thinks is right (fighting for integration) and doing what Mrs. Von Tussle and the other Corny Council members want her to think (that blacks and white should be separate always).

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.

BK: This is my first GCP show, but I have performed in a variety of different places. I am very involved with the performing arts program at my high school, P.K. Yonge. I was recently in PK’s spring musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” where I played the part of Olive. I am lucky enough to have grown up in a performing family, so I have been in many shows. I have performed the roles of Annie ("Annie"), Lucy ("Jekyll and Hyde"), Mayzie ("Seussical the Musical"), Eponine ("Les Miserables"), Jo ("Little Women"), Audrey ("Little Shop of Horrors"), and some others.

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Hairspray"?

BK: I auditioned for “Hairspray” because it is one of my favorite musicals. When I saw it on Broadway, I just fell in love with it. The performers seemed like they were having so much fun. When I heard GCP was doing it, I was so excited. 

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?

BK: My favorite musical number in this show is most likely “Nicest Kids in Town” because it’s so upbeat and fun. We have to be so bubbly and cheesy, it’s so much fun. 

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Hairspray"?

BK: I think people should come see “Hairspray” because it’s a fun, feel-good show. It’s a show that everyone will enjoy. It’s a perfect way to cap off the summer. 

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in upcoming seasons?

BK: I would love for GCP to do a Shakespearean production, especially “A Midsummer’s Night Dream.” A musical I would love for GCP to produce is “Legally Blonde” or “In the Heights.” 

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?

BK: My dream roles are Reno Sweeny from “Anything Goes” and Vanessa from “In the Heights.”

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?

BK: In my opinion, community theatre is a way for people who share the same passion for theatre to get involved in a safe, familiar, and fun environment. 

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!

BK: I aspire to go to the Boston Conservatory to pursue a BFA in Musical Theatre. I also have a Nemo toe (:

Thanks, Belle!  Opening night was a sell-out performance - do you have your tickets yet?

xo xo GCP Girl

"Hairspray" cast profile: Danielle Pagliara

Danielle Pagliara takes on her dream role of "hair hopper" Tracy Turnblad in "Hairspray," opening tonight at the Vam York!

GCP Girl: Tell me a bit about your character.
DP: I play Tracy Turnblad! Tracy is an outgoing, talented, spirited young woman. She stands up for what she believes and she is herself 100% of the time, regardless of the consequences. She is an incredibly brave, strong character…it’s just overshadowed by her fantastic hair.

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
DP: I’ve been working pretty consistently at the Gainesville Community Playhouse. I’ve only been onstage in British comedies: "See How They Run" and "The Murder Room." I’m usually decked in blacks, working on "Pippin," "Secret Garden," "Jayne Eyre," "It’s a Wonderful Life," "Trip to Bountiful," "Shakespeare in Hollywood," "Singin’ in the Rain," "Intimate Apparel," and more. This is my first lead and my first musical!

GCP Girl: Why did you audition for "Hairspray"?
DP: I auditioned for "Hairspray" because I love the energy of the show, I love the atmosphere, and I am in love with the character of Tracy. Like I said, she is so brave and so independent, but she’s kind of cloaked in this fun-loving, big-haired craziness, so she’s so much more complex. I love the character, and I’ve always wanted a crack at her. I know I’m not the strongest or most experienced singer, so I took lessons for almost two months at the Academy of Music and Art with Rebecca Pethes. We worked really hard to prepare for the auditions. I really believe in what John Waters said. He said he couldn’t wait for this show to make it to high schools and community theaters, because finally the fat girls and drag queens could be the stars. I just really love this show and these characters, so I did everything I could to be a part of it!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite musical number in the show?
DP: Oh goodness, only one?! I can’t pick just one. I love "I Know Where I’ve Been;" Kathy is so amazing! I also love "I Can Hear the Bells," because it’s such a silly, ridiculous school girl fantasy that you can’t help but giggle.

GCP Girl: Why should people see "Hairspray"?
DP: Why shouldn’t people see "Hairspray"?? This show has such an amazingly talented cast with an enormously creative production team. Combine those with laugh out loud lines, super fun songs, and beautiful costumes and sets, you’ve got the makings for a great show. But what makes "Hairspray" different is that, underneath all the fun, you have a wonderful message of love and acceptance that spans all generations.

GCP Girl: What plays or musicals would you like to see GCP produce in an upcoming season?
DP: "Newsies," "Chicago," "Avenue Q" and "Spring Awakening"! (Hey, I can dream, right?)

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
DP: I stand by what I said in my bio for both "See How They Run" and "The Murder Room"…my dream role is Tracy Turnblad.

GCP Girl: What does community theatre mean to you?
DP: To me, community theatre is family. When you work with people for hours every single day, you become a family. Sometimes you love each other, sometimes you cry, sometimes you laugh, but in the end, you’ve got each other’s backs and everyone is out for the same goal: an amazing show.

GCP Girl: Tell me something you'd like everyone to know!
DP: The sets are magnificent, the costumes are gorgeous, the sets are spectacular, the crew is phenomenal, the production team is genius, the cast is amazing, and this show is nothing short of epic. I can’t wait for everyone to come see this show!!

Thanks, Danielle! Break a leg!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Hairspray" Fun Facts!

Here are some fun facts about the original and musical versions of "Hairspray"!  The musical opens this weekend at the Vam York!

• The original film’s writer/director, John Waters, is a Baltimore native whose films have become transgressive cult classics. 
• “Hairspray” (1988) was intended for a much broader audience than Waters’ previous work, and received a PG rating instead of his usual X rating. It starred Ricki Lake, Divine, Debbie Harry and Sonny Bono.
• The original screenplay was written under the title “White Lipstick.” 
• The “Corny Collins Show” is based on an actual dance program, the “Buddy Deane Show,” and the film’s climax is based on an actual event that happened on that show in 1963. 
• The Broadway show’s composer and lyricist, Marc Shaiman, was a vocal arranger for artist Bette Midler, working on hits like “The Wind Beneath My Wings” and “From a Distance.” 
• Shaiman’s film credits include “Beaches,” “When Harry Met Sally,” “City Slickers,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” “The Addams Family,” “Sister Act,” “A Few Good Men,” and “The American President.” He also wrote for and appeared on “Saturday Night Live.” 
• The musical version of “Hairspray” won eight Tony Awards in 2003, including Best Musical, Best Leading Actor (Harvey Fierstein), Best Leading Actress (Marissa Jaret Winokur), and Best Original Score. 
• Shaiman and lyricist Scott Wittman went on to write for the musical version of “Catch Me If You Can” and the recent television hit, “Smash.”

"All My Sons" auditions are this weekend!

Auditions for Arthur Miller's ("Death of Salesman," "The Crucible") classic drama, "All My Sons," are Sunday, July 15 and Monday, July 16 at 7 p.m. at the GCP's Vam York Theater!  This show was revived on Broadway in 2008 starring John Lithgow, Dianne Wiest, Patrick Wilson and Katie Holmes in her Broadway debut.

Our fabulous director, Margery Pierson, shared some of her thoughts about the audition process.

GCP Girl: Why did you want to direct “All My Sons”?
MP: I mostly directed musicals for many years. After my husband died, I decided I wanted to try directing straight drama, starting with “Trip to Bountiful” because I liked the story so much. I found I enjoyed the drama and the characters. I like “All My Sons” better than “Death of a Salesman” because the characters are so complex and interesting, and the themes are timeless. I am praying for actors who really want to work on character development.

GCP Girl: What is your vision for this show?
MP: This is a show about the complexity of people and events, and about personal responsibility – about how people cannot face up to it, or cannot cope with it. The tragedy in the story evolves from this. It’s the human plight: who are we and what responsibility do we have as humans, friends and citizens?

GCP Girl: What are you looking for in those who audition?
MP: I will be looking for actors who really have a desire to do the work, to delve into their characters and think. I hope they are eager and excited to explore and develop the characters and themes and learn from them. We will do cold readings, so it might be helpful to be familiar with the story or the script.

GCP Girl: Why should people audition for “All My Sons”?
MP: If you are interested in a script that is beautifully written in the way that characters that relate to each other, please audition! I am looking for five men and 4 women across several age groups, so please come out for the show!

You can find a plot summary and character descriptions here. See you this weekend!

xo xo GCP Girl