Press Release

NAVAL ACADEMY PRESENTS WINTER MUSICAL “HAIRSPRAY”

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - The Naval Academy will present a musical performance of “Hairspray” Feb. 25, 26 and 27 and March 4, 5 and 6 in the academy’s Mahan Hall. Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $15 or $18 for reserved seating and can be purchased at the door, online at www.usna.edu/music or by calling USNA’s Music and Theatre Box Office at 410-293-TIXS (8497).

The musical “Hairspray,” known as “Broadway’s big, fat musical comedy hit” with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman, is based on the 1988 John Waters film by the same name. The story is set in Baltimore, Md. in 1962 and follows the pleasantly plump and revolutionary teenager, Tracy Turnblad, her colorblind view of life, and her dream to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program based on the real-life “Buddy Deane Show” of that time. When Turnblad wins a role to dance on the show, she becomes an overnight celebrity who takes on the challenge to open people’s views and racially integrate the TV show.

The academy’s performance will be a fully realized production, complete with dancing, costumes, and a live pit orchestra. Guest director Lars Tatom, head of theatre at Anne Arundel Community College, returns to USNA for his second production with the midshipmen.

“I am honored and excited to work with such talented and gifted students to bring to life a show full of wonderful music and content . a show of acceptance and inclusion that is as relevant today as it was decades ago,” said Tatom.

“This year’s production promises to be one of our best winter musicals to date. The story is meaningful and timeless, the music is fun and energizing, the costumes are dazzling, the cast is electrifying, and the hair do’s are gravity defying!” said USNA’s Director of Musical Activities, Dr. Aaron Smith.

Vehicles without Department of Defense decals are not permitted on the Naval Academy grounds. Audience members may walk-on through Gate 3 on Maryland Avenue. Gate 3 is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. for pedestrian traffic during performance nights. All visitor are required to show a valid photo identification to enter the grounds. Parking will be available for $5 at the Navy/Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, with a complimentary shuttle to Mahan Hall. Cars with handicapped license plates or dashboard cards must be issued a pass from Pass and ID at Gate 1 during normal business hours. After hours, a pass may be issued by the shift lieutenant at Gate 8.

For additional security and shuttle bus information visit www.usna.edu/Transportation/ or www.usna.edu/SecuInfoPers/FAQS.htm.

For more information about the Naval Academy Music Department, visit www.usna.edu/Music/.

For more information about the Naval Academy, please visit www.usna.edu.