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Dynamite Hairspray Cast

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Theatre lovers in Nelson Mandela Bay have been excitedly anticipating the annual major production by the PEG&S Society after last year’s smash hit Matilda the Musical. This year, the Society is thrilled to bring audiences the award winning Broadway musical Hairspray in September 2023. Hairspray is loved the world over for its irrepressible heroine Tracy Turnblad, fantastic toe-tapping songs and the always relevant themes of unity, equality and acceptance

Local theatre veteran Rose Cowpar will take the Director’s chair, having directed and produced over 40 shows since jumping into the local theatre scene when she arrived in SA in 2006. “Hairspray is the first show I ever saw on Broadway so it has a very special place in my heart and I cant wait for the GQ public to meet our amazing cast!” enthused Cowpar after auditions over the 12-15th June. “In 15 years on audition panels I truly believe this was the strongest showing I’ve ever seen!” which made choosing the 60 strong cast a real challenge for Cowpar and her Team.

This year’s production team brings together the experience of Cowpar and dynamic Musical Director Dario Broccardo, in his third outing for G&S, with the youthful talents of Joshua de Silva and Hannah Barth as Vocal Directors and 17 year old Ashleigh Maling-Nel as Choreographer.

The Auditions unearthed some outstanding talent and a stellar cast has been selected by Cowpar after over 80 hopefuls strutted their stuff and sang their hearts out. The result is a talented cast of both accomplished, local favourites as well as some exciting new voices to add to the growing talent pool of the G&S Society. Sixteen year old Hannah Stiglingh takes the lead as Tracy Turnblad in her first full scale production outside of school. No stranger to the Savoy Stage, she has made appearances in all three G&S shows this year and looks set to wow audiences with her powerful voice and acting talent. Jaydee Mulder makes a grand comeback to our stage and will be donning his heels as Tracy’s mom, Edna whilst Dad Wilbur will be played by newcomer Matthew Shaw.

Mark Phelps, known for his portrayal of Aladdin in last year’s panto, plays love interest Link Larkin and the ever popular Georgia-Jo Palmer is Tracy’s best friend, Penny Pingleton. Candice Millar returns to the Savoy stage as the infamous Velma von Tussle with Emma Harris tackling the role of Amber.

Hairspray introduces vocal powerhouse Lethabo Makuruetsa as Motormouth Maybelle, mother to Aiden Syce as Seaweed and Alynah MacKay as Little Inez. Matilda Choreographer Darren Rockman and top local dancer Kyle Adams will set the stage on fire in numbers such as Run and Tell that and Good Morning Baltimore.

Production manager, Leandi Fontini, said “Hairspray is another wonderful opportunity for our local performers to work with top class creatives as they learn and grow throughout the process. That’s what G&S is all about!”

Hairspray hits the stage in September 2023 and promises to be the highlight of the local theatre Calendar.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.