There is HAIRSPRAY, yes, but So Much More, too

I have never seen anything like it.

The recent announcement that we had picked up the rights to the outstandingly popular HAIRSPRAY has illicited more excitement than I would have thought possible. In fact, the initial response to one of my classes prompted so much celebration and unadulterated joy that one administrator immediately rushed into the room to find out what the commotion was about.

It was a moment of spontaneity and freedom that everyone should experience regularly.

Everyone seems to be talking about HAIRSPRAY in the halls and in class. People are making plans for auditions. Others are talking about how much scenery the show might require. Others are already imagining the costumes or the new confetti cannons.

Even though I, myself, get caught up in the excitement, I must remind myself and others that there is a lot of ground to cover between now and then. We have a full season of theatre to produce and HAIRSPRAY is the final float in the parade.

Just take a look:

THE PIANO LESSON is in dress rehearsals right now.

Auditions for HENRY V and DEAR GABBY: The Confessions of an Over-Achiever are next week.

Rehearsals for SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK LIVE begin next Tuesday.

Some people are looking forward to the ONE-ACT PLAY FESTIVAL in January.

Others are looking to make their mark in the ALL-SCHOOL TALENT SHOW also in January.

DEAR GABBY is set to make its single public performance at the Civic Theatre in February.

Official plans need to be made for our very first STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL.

Finally, there are plenty of THESPIAN activities to undertake including three conferences, several social activities, and a field trip to the Great Lakes Theatre Festival.

All of this happens or must be planned before HAIRSPRAY hits the boards. I think the excitement will be tempered somewhat as we move through all of these activities. But it will not be long before auditions come around and things will start to get really crazy.

Help me out. Buy a subscription to this fantastic season including what is sure to be a fantastic production of HAIRSPRAY. Our imminent production of August Wilson's THE PIANO LESSON is going to be good, too, and deserves to have a good audience . . . even if most of the audience is really looking forward to HAIRSPRAY.

The subscription order form can be found on the "download" page of our newly designed website.

Look for it at www.FirestoneTheatre.com.

maz