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Casting
Character Breakdown
Please note that the cast members in your production of Hairspray must accurately reflect the character descriptions contained in the script. The use of make-up to portray Black characters in your production (e.g., blackface) is not permitted under this Production Contract.
Amber Vontussle is a prom queen nightmare! She is definitely "The Corny Collins Show" favorite, but she is competitive and has a bad attitude. Amber is a great performer, so cast a young lady who can do it all. Amber should be played by a white actress.
Seaweed J. Stubbs is the object of Penny's affections, and together, they are determined to defy the segregation laws of the 1960s. Seaweed can do it all! This is a great role for an experienced young Black performer who can sing, dance and act well.
Little Inez Stubbs is Seaweed's little sister and a great breakout role for a Black actress. Little Inez gets her moment in the spotlight, so be sure to cast a young lady who is a great singer and dancer. Cast an actress with a quiet exterior who can and will be bold when the opportunity comes.
Motormouth Maybelle is a soulful part for a Black performer who can play an older age. In this story, she is the face of the Civil Rights Movement and sings the beautiful anthem, "I Know Where I've Been." Cast a performer with a great voice and more importantly, someone who has strong stage presence.
The Dynamites (Judine, Kamilah and Shayna) are a dynamic musical trio, iconic of the Motown era and the 1960s. Think the Supremes. Cast three young women who are advanced singers and dancers who complement each other. They don't need to look alike, but cast a group that can be synchronous in their music and dance.
Brad, Tammy, Fender, Sketch, Shelley, IQ, Brenda and Lou Ann are the famed teenage performers on "The Corny Collins Show." This is a great opportunity to feature your best singers and dancers, as they'll have to emulate some of the most famous dance moves from the 1960s. Find kids with a lot of personality, and encourage them to be bold in their characterizations of each teenage performer.
Other standout ensemble roles include:Gym Teacher, Cindy Watkins, Matron, Principal, Lorraine, Gilbert, Thad, Duane, Stooie, Beatnik Chick, Male Guard, Guard, Newscaster and Council Members. These roles give more texture to the lively world of 1960s Baltimore. This is truly a story about communities intersecting, so be sure to remind all of your actors that each role matters.