Come one, come all to MSJC’s upcoming spring performance of Hairspray! The historical musical will open at the San Jacinto campus on Friday, March 21st, at 7 p.m. If you can’t make it, don’t worry—performances are scheduled for the next two weekends. Visit https://calendar.msjc.edu/event/hairspray-the-musical/ for times and dates. Tickets are $12 for guests and only $10 for students. Discounts are available for veterans and seniors. Get your ticket today!
This performance was directed by the school’s very own Bianca Swan-Finch. As we sat down for a behind-the-scenes interview, she explained her reasoning behind selecting this musical to produce for spring 2025. She explained that she has always wanted to direct this specific play and how it holds a special place in her heart; she is ecstatic to see it come to life. Swan-Finch shared the need for this play, stating, ”Because of the subject matter, it’s really important for this time in our country.” This touches on how crucial this play is in our current societal atmosphere. There is still tension surrounding racial discrimination in our society, especially with Trump’s attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the federal government and other attacks on civil rights. This being said, producing a renowned and historical musical, such as Hairspray, will bring awareness to racial discrimination and more awareness and support to help fight these unfair societal challenges.
Upon interviewing the cast of Hairspray, I also got to sit down with the lead actress, Evelyne Aponte, who plays Trina Turnblad. I got the inside scoop on how she felt about the upcoming performance. She stated how excited but nervous she was as she said, “This is my first performance ever.” This is not only her first show, but she is taking on a lead role—how inspiring! Luckily, she has a few skills up her sleeve and is only nervous about dancing. This makes sense as she has to sing, dance, and act in the lead role for several hours, preparing for her opening night. She is, however, determined to give the audience exactly what they came for, so don’t miss out on seeing Evelyn’s performance in Hairspray!
Now, everyone seems to know about the director and the lead role, but what about what goes on behind the scenes? For that, I got to talk to our Stage Design manager at MSJC, Jeff George. He briefly described what he does every season to help make productions like Hairspray a reality. He states, “We design and produce for the theater, plus we also manage the space for music and dance for when they have special events as well as all events that come and use our facility.” He told us he is in charge of the entire set design for Hairspray, from gathering the necessary props to building entire walls used during the performances. For the modernization of Hamlet last semester, he painted four giant walls to look like an office. He even cut and trimmed the stage floor to give it a more centered effect. He was in charge of gathering props such as office chairs and even built the main prop desk utilized in the show. He explains how he did the same thing for Hairspray, but these are more colorful and fun, and many more items that needed building. I did get to see these for myself, but I can’t spoil the surprise. So you’ll have to come find out how great of a job he and his assistant Jeremy did on the set of Hairspray.
That wraps up a very special inside scoop on MSJC’s production of Hairspray! Everyone has worked hard on this performance, and we are excited to see you there.
Don’t forget to get your tickets at https://calendar.msjc.edu/event/hairspray-the-musical/!
