Murray State's Campus Lights continues their tradition of musical theatre at the start of the Spring semester with the musical adaptation of "Hairspray." On Sounds Good, Austin Carter is joined by cast and crew members Malcolm Jones, Makenzie Kauffman, Emily Duff and Chris Lossie to talk about their experience putting on a production during break and the cultural relevance of the message "love yourself for who you are."
"Hairspray" is set in the 1960s, about Tracy Turnblad wanting to dance on the Corny Collins Show. She gets on the program with the help of an African American student in her school. The show is about figuring out what she wants to do and diversifying television. The show also covers the topics of women empowerment and race issues in the 1960s while being a light, feel-good comedy. The show is about people loving themselves and each other, Lossie says.
Emily Duff, a student in the history and education departments, plays Tracy Turnblad and says she appreciates the Campus Lights outreach to students who might not be music or theatre majors but want to have a good time. She says Tracy is a blast to play on stage, a character full of life and confidence. She says, "I want to be more like Tracy when I grow up."
They chose "Hairspray" because of the 60th anniversary of desegregation at Murray State University. It's a comedy with serious undertones: to love yourself for who you are no matter your size or the color of your skin.
"Hairspray" runs January 22 through 24 in Lovett Auditorium. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30. Tickets available on the Campus Lights website or at the door.
