Orange County may notice a mist in the air — and it’s not just the April showers. The touring Broadway musical “Hairspray” has made its way to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa for a two-week run.
Performing through April 30, the Tony Award-winning pop-rock musical tells the story of 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960’s Baltimore as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show.
The fun musical features the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the 60’s,” “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” Actress Niki Metcalf leads the show as Tracy Turnblad.
Can you tell us about your experience playing the role of Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray?
Playing Tracy Turnblad has been a dream of a lifetime! I grew up knowing I was meant to play Tracy Turnblad someday. I saw myself in Ricki Lake in the original John Waters movie, and in Marissa Janet Winokur and Nikki Blonsky in their Tracys. In sixth grade we had this talent show called a Lip Sync – where you would get in groups and the perform songs by lip syncing them.
I knew I wanted to perform when I grew up – so I actually sang “Good Morning Baltimore” live for my first audience. It was the first song I brought to my voice teacher, and now having it come full circle to be singing that song every night for audiences across America, it is such an honor.
How did you prepare for your role in the production?
I feel like this role has always been a part of me. I grew up singing these songs, so I was pretty familiar with the material coming in, to say the least. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my family and my friends, believing in me and helping do the entire audition process virtually! It’s taken a lot of practice, training, and mostly believing in myself that I am capable and worthy of telling this story as this incredible character every night.
What unique elements do you bring to the role of Tracy Turnblad? And what do you think makes her such a compelling character?
Since Tracy has always felt like a part of who I am, I feel like I bring a lot of myself to this role. I also like to say she’s a good mix between my little sister and me. My favorite thing about Tracy is her heart. From the beginning of the show, she celebrates herself as she is, and never is she trying to change herself to fit society’s standards.
We so rarely see a bigger girl in a show where she’s not just the funny best friend of the leading lady, or the butt of a joke. In Hairspray, Tracy is the lead who follows her dreams AND achieves them, gets the guy, all of it. It’s incredible, and I hope we see many more roles like Tracy Turnblad in the future or musicals and other media.
What challenges did you face while performing in “Hairspray” and how did you overcome them?
The biggest challenge honestly that I’ve faced while performing Hairspray has really been myself. Trusting that I am enough to tell this story, and that I am making a positive difference by people watching me onstage.
Watching the original Broadway production was the first time I could see “wow, that’s someone who looks like me, who feels confident in who she is, that doesn’t have to change these parts of herself to live her dream.” I want to do that, and create that feeling and that spark for that little girl, or boy, or anyone in the audience who comes to this show wondering if they can have their dream and stay true to themselves.
Can you talk about your favorite moment or scene in the show and why it stood out to you?
You’ve given me the hardest question! I could pick a different moment or scene every single day. “I Can Hear the Bells” is such a dream of a number to get to do every night, and of course “Welcome to the 60s” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” where we can actually see audience members smiling and grooving along with us!
How has performing in “Hairspray” impacted your career as a performer?
It has completely changed my life. One – it has connected me to such incredible performers, creators, and artists, and to be able to tell this important story across the country with them. It has challenged me and shown me that I am capable and deserving of following my dreams and achieving them, just like Tracy.
I’ve struggled so much with who I am – trying so hard to fit into these boxes that I thought were the only way that I could belong. But I want to be a part of the change in theatre that shows that what you look like doesn’t automatically put you into some kind of box. I’m excited to see what my future has in store.
How do you balance your personal life with your professional career as a performer?
I’m still learning every day. Especially on the road – where you’re away from your home comforts, it is SO important to balance personal life with work life. Yes we get to see so many amazing different places, but you have to know when you need to just take a day to rest and do nothing. And prioritizing your mental health just as much as your physical health is vital.
‘Hairspray’
Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive,
Costa Mesa
When: April 18 – 30, 2023
How much: Tickets start at $29
More info: https://www.scfta.org/events/2023/hairspray
About The Author
