Blast From the Past: 'Hairspray' Comes to the Music Pier

The popular 1980s movie and Broadway show "Hairspray" continues with two more performances Sept. 4 and 5 by the Ocean City Theatre Company with the Ocean City Pops orchestra.

“Hairspray” is set in Baltimore in the 1960s and tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, "a brave, upbeat teen, with an enormous heart, just trying to fit in in her high school world," according to the theater company. An overweight teen, Tracy does not fit with the “in” crowd.

When Tracy wins a spot on a local TV dance show, “The Corny Collins Show”, she uses her new-found popularity to change the show’s policies on segregation.

 “ 'Hairspray’ was a huge hit on Broadway, at the movies and across the country in regional theaters. Not only does the show have great music, a nonstop high-energy feel and a comedic script, it provides an eye-opening look at a time in our Country's history concerning segregation and race relations,” said Michael Hartman, artistic director.

Other characters in the show are Tracy’s mother Edna, Tracy’s friends Penny and Seaweed, and Tracy’s crush Link Larkin. The cast joins together to have the audience singing and dancing along.

Robert “Sandy Beach” Hitchen, an Atlantic City/Philadelphia personality, will play Edna Turnblad. A new member to stage but a previous performer of “Hairspray” at the Paper Mill Playhouse is Christopher Brasfield, who will create the role of Seaweed.

Audience favorites of the OCTC stage include Chad Parsons as Link Larkin, John Anker Bow as Tracy’s father, Wilbur Turnblad, and Ashley Blasland as Penny Pingleton.

“Beyond the impressive productions numbers, zany and lovable characters, and pure fun of the show, ‘Hairspray’ offers one thing above all else-heart.  There is a powerful message of love and acceptance at the core of it, and it is an honor to be involved in a show that is not afraid to embrace real issues in our society,” said Ashley Blasland.

Making her debut to the Ocean City Theater Company’s stage is Rebecca Wolfe of New York City.  Wolfe will star as Tracy Turnblad, a character she has waited to play for a long time.

In some ways, Wolfe finds her personality very close to the personality of Tracy.

“Despite much adversity, she is able to inspire change and acceptance within her community. Tracy and I are very similar in the fact that we both love and accept everyone, and we also have the same passion and positive outlook on life,” says Wolfe.

“At the end of the day I think that Tracy is someone that I wish that I was. There are very few people in this world who are as brave and strong as her, and it is an honor to have the opportunity to play her”

“Hairspray” will be performed on September 4 and 5 at the at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 for orchestra seating and $18 for solarium seating. To purchase tickets, call 609-525-9248, visit the box office online or at the .