Interview #1: the Cast of "Hairspray"

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     As Hairspray continues its second (of four) weekends rocking the Ritter Park Amphitheatre, let's hear from some of the cast members!
  
     Up first is my pal Stephen Vance, who plays one of "The Nicest Kids in Town."
  
  Q: Hairspray is a hit Broadway musical and movie -  tell us the basic story. 
  
  Stephen: The show is about a big girl with big dreams. She wants to be on the local "Bandstand" type show and along the way tries to get the guy and tries to fix social injustice. It's a funny show with great heart and great music.
  
  

  Q: Tell us about the character you play.

  Stephen: I play Ronnie, one of the "Nicest Kids in Town" from the Corny Collins Show. We get our big break to take our local show to the big time and we get to be a part of the action the whole show.

  Q: What's your favorite part of the show?

  Stephen: My favorite parts of the show are any time we are at the Corny Collins Show. The energy and songs of these scenes capture the excitement of this show.

  Q: What's your background in theatre?

  Stephen: I've worked in some capacity with nearly every group in Huntington, stage, tech, and directing. I'm currently a director with the Resident Company of Arts Resources for the Tri-State.

  Q: How do you feel about being part of HOT's last show?

  Stephen: For me, HOT is where it all started. The first show I ever saw was HOT's Guys & Dolls. The first show I ever teched was HOT's Beauty & the Beast. The first show I was ever in was HOT's Thorougly Modern Millie. I owe so much to Helen, Patty, Patti, and Mark. I would not have missed this show. My original intention was to assistant direct for the summer, but I couldn't be happier to be a part of the cast. There is a different energy here that you can't get any where else. When you battle the weather for four weeks and then you get a full house that is completely with you, there is a sense of pride and satisfaction second to none. And you get to do it with a cast that you work with for no less than 20 hours a week during rehearsals. HOT is unique and it's going to be missed.

  Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

  Stephen: 1) If you've seen HOT's shows in the past, you know this is special, and you'll want to be a part of it. 2) If you've never seen a HOT show, there is nothing like it and you need to before you miss your chance. 3) You need to hear Rhonda Joplin (Motormouth) sing. 4) Jessica Cooper (Tracy) is very likely the cutest human being on earth and you may fall in love with her the second you see and hear her. 5) Brynna Horswell (Amber) is one of the most versatile / talented people I've ever seen on stage and she nails this one. 6) Evan Sullivan, Candy Howard, Levi Kelley, Kennie Bass, Christin Gerwig, Barry Westmoreland, Ryan Hardiman, Aliza Wucher, Todd Green, Sarah Williams 7) The Nicest Kids 8) This Cast 9) The Wigs 10) The band is amazing.

  Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

  Stephen: The show is at the Ritter Park Amphitheatre, every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in July. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. The children's pre-show is at 7 p.m. The community pre-show is directly after. Hairspray starts at 8:30 p.m..

  
  

     Thanks, Stephen!