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The show takes place in 1962 where main character, Tracy Turnblad, a plus-size lovable teen has only one desire -- to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream becomes a reality, Tracy is transformed from a social outcast to a tv star. Her goals are to use her fame to replace the reigning Teen Queen, win over her heartthrob Link Larkin, and to integrate a television network to allow everyone to participate.
Over 100 Westhill students are participating and are proud of the show’s messages of acceptance and racial equality. The show’s costumes and sets are the actual ones that have traveled the world with Hairspray’s national tour and professional international productions.
Madeline Bria, who was born and raised in Stamford, is a Westhill High School senior and President of the Northstar Playmakers. She plays the role of Velma Von Trussle, who is the snobbish, racist producer of the Corny Collins Show. “Velma is rude, racist and manipulative yet what I like most about her is that she is undeniably confident. I also like the challenge of playing such a crucial antagonist in this story based on real events”,
Bria said. Madeline, whose love for the arts began at age 3 with dance classes, is also one of the assistant choreographers for the show.
This will be Bria’s last performance before graduating and going to Fordham University, where she will study communications. With New York City only 15 minutes away by train, Bria plans to audition whenever possible. “I hope to have the best of both worlds by getting a great education which can lead to a many opportunities as well as having the theater in my backyard,’’ she said.
Bria has performed her entire life in theater and dance and has had roles from the chorus to leads. She recently portrayed Morticia Adams in the All School Musical of the Adams Family, in Stamford. “Every show and role is different for me, yet I build off of each one, so I have to say it is not very difficult to adapt from one to another. I expand and develop myself as an actress and performer with more experience and the more roles I am given”.
Bria is also a peer mentor for younger students and is in the National, Latin and Drama Honor Societies and is part of the Triple Music Honor Society. She is also the Vice President of her class.
Performances are at Westhill High will be held Friday, April 24 and Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. The show on Sunday, April 26, begins at 3 p.m. Shows are also scheduled for Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets may be purchased via credit card at www.stamfordschooltickets.org and will also be available at the door (cash or checks only) beginning one hour before curtain time. Go to http://westhilltheater.org/ for more information on the show and to view the full cast list.
Robyn Blosio Bova is a Realtor with Higgins Group in Stamford and a volunteer with Backyard Humanitarian.
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