Princess Margaret Secondary students are taking on the topical themes of segregation, beauty and more in their production of Hairspray! the Musical.
This is the last musical for Maggie seniors, but the yearly production has left a lasting impact.
Chanel Graham, plays one of the Tracys in the double cast show. She has been involved in in all four musicals since Grade 9 starting off in the ensemble cast of Grease.
“I was just an ensemble, shy little girl and I’m here as a lead and just loving it. I don’t know what I’m going to do next year,” Graham said.
Megyn Beckman, who plays Edna Turnblad, also joined up in Grade 9 along with Graham after a fellow student brought her along to check out the yearly musical when she was in Grade 8.
“Ever since it’s just been my passion. Honestly, I think I’m going to come back next year and just help backstage because it’s just such a nice environment to be in,” Beckman said.
Hailey Grunow also plays Tracy, an overly optimistic teen who is anti-segregation and trying to desegregate television. She has a tough time fitting in and is frowned upon for her efforts.
“It being the last (musical) just makes you want to try even harder and make sure it’s absolutely perfect,” Grunow said.
Grunow noted the show is going to be a new experience each time being double casted.
“Each time is going to be different, make sure you come two nights in a row to see it all,” Grunow said.
Kennedy Fuller plays Amber, a mean, popular girl who believes being a different size and colour is wrong. Fuller has been involved in the musical for the past four years and also worked her way up to being a lead.
“We are a family here and this is my passion. I love to do it,” Fuller said.
Fellow Maggie senior Jefferson Swetlikoe plays the man with his own TV show, Corny Collins. He explained the themes of fame-seeking teenagers delve deeper into a poignant commentary.
“It shows the everyday kid, that they can be famous too. That’s the important message of the show itself,” Swetlikoe said. “Everybody has something that’s important that makes them important.”
Hairspray! the Musical has two more shows at Princess Margaret Secondary School on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. and on Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. The show then moves to the Cleland Theatre on Dec. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. and a Saturday matinee on Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. Tickets to the Maggie shows are $8 for students and seniors, $12 for adults. Tickets to the Cleland Theatre shows are $15 for students and seniors and $20 for adults. Tickets are available at each venue. For more information call 250-770-7620.