AROUND THE TOWN: I'm dyeing to see "Hairspray"

Lifestyles

June 25, 2009

By Jan Boston Sellers / Chronicle columnist The Crossville Chronicle Thu Jun 25, 2009, 05:51 PM CDT

One of my favorite Broadway productions, Hairspray, has rolled onto the main stage at Cumberland County Playhouse, and I am dyeing (get it?) to see it. Matter of fact, I have opening night tickets for the musical which includes such upbeat songs as "Can't Stop the Beat." This spectacular play, which was also turned into a major motion picture featuring Queen Latifah and John Travolta, is very funny and great for families and features none other than the multi-talented Jason Ross wigged and in a house coat.

Hairspray is a period piece set in the 1960s during racial unrest and American Bandstand in none other than Baltimore. It features an overweight teen, her mom, Edna (played by Ross—this female part is always played by a man…Travolta in the movie) and a group of teenagers who love to sing and dance.

When we saw it on Broadway, pretty much the entire audience was on its feet by the end of the show, dancing and singing along with the cast, which featured actress Haley Duff. It is a great story with phenomenal music and a stellar story. It runs until Aug. 30 on the main stage at CCP.

If you want to beat the summer heat, you may want to check out one of the many other shows runing out at CCP for summer 2009. They include Return to the Forbidden Planet, Showtime at First Baptist, The Foreigner and Smoke on the Mountain.

Return to the Forbidden Planet was a smash hit in London for years. A star ship, rock stars and a liftoff are mixed together to deliver a fun musical with songs like "Shake Rattle and Roll" and "Great Balls of Fire." This show opens July 20 and runs through Oct. 31.

Showtime at First Baptist opens later in the summer season on Aug. 13. This production centers around the 100th birthday anniversary of the church at Ivy Gap and a fundraising talent show. You won't believe all the antics that crop up in the pews of this church. Showtime runs until oct. 21.

Currently running are The Foreigner and the cult favorite Smoke on the Mountain, now in its 16th Playhouse year. Playhouse directors say The Foreigner is their most requested show. It features one of the most hilarious trios at CCP—Jason Ross, Carol Irvin and Daniel Black. Foreigner runs until Oct. 4 on the main stage.

Smoke on the Mountain…need I say more? What Cats was to London and Broadway and Shear Madness is to Boston, Smoke is to Crossville. This show has run for 16 playhouse seasons and is sold out pretty much every single time. I have seen it several times, myself. My mother and my aunt have probably seen it 16 times. It is a hilarious, family gospel, well except for that one word. What is it? Well, if you want to know, you will have to go see the play.

If you are interested in any or all of these shows, contact the Playhouse box office at 484-5000 or the Web site at ccp.org for ticket prices and show times.

***

It is time once again for some of the coolest cars in Crossville to cruise in to downtown. The Classic Car Cruise-in is set for Saturday evening on Main St. Once again, there will be lots of classic cars and trucks, entertainment, food and refreshments. Call organizers Linda Hassler at 200-8097 or Anna Norris at 248-5710 for additional information.

***

Summer arrived earlier this week and brought with it some scorching hot weather. Temperatures were hovering near the 90s at press time, with record-breaking temperatures all across the South. If you are heading outdoors this weekend, make sure to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and try to avoid the hottest part of the day!

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