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Bringing Baltimore to Branford: Shoreline Theatre Company Presents 'Hairspray' June 29, 30

It may be the summer of 2018 in Branford, but on Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30, Shoreline Theatre Company (STC) rolls back the clock to 1962 and takes us to Baltimore with two high-energy performances of the Broadway musical "Hairspray" at Branford High School (BHS).

The show, which also marks the debut production of STC, is presented in partnership with Branford Parks and Recreation Department with support from Branford Public Schools. Both shows are set for 7:30 p.m. in the Cathyann Roding Auditorium at BHS, 185 East Main St. on June 29 and June 30. Tickets, $10 general admission, can be reserved via email at stctix@gmail.com for either show.

With a full cast of 60 players, the show features plus-sized performances from auditioned talent gathered from 10 area towns. Together, they deliver Hairspray's quirky characters, memorable music and energized dance numbers.

Nearly 100 shoreline and New Haven area high schoolers and adults answered the call to audition for the show. Thanks to the incredible caliber of talent selected for the cast, the production has gone from first rehearsal to curtain-ready in just over a month's time, said STC co-director/co-founder Colin Sheehan, who is working with co-director/co-founder Mike Martone Jr. on the project.

"We've got the best of the best from many communities," said Sheehan. "It's so great to be able to put up a show in five weeks, and to see all these people who are between 13 and 65 putting on a show together and become such great friends."

Sheehan and Martone, who is also BHS Choir Director, recently completed their first co-directing effort, BHS's smash spring musical, Shrek, in March 2018.  The choreographer for STC's production of Hairspray is Paola Rarick, who choreographed Walsh Intermediate School's amazing spring 2018 musical, The Little Mermaid. Rarick, who is also the Artistic Director and co-owner of StudioONE Dance Studio (Branford), said she is "blown away" by the talented dancers in the STC's production of Hairspray.

"I am finding that they're so capable and so enthusiastic and so supportive of one another," said Rarick. "This is probably the most challenging dancing I've ever choreographed for a single production, but they're really stepping up."

Fans of Hairspray will also thrill to musical numbers sung by a blend of seasoned performers and some of the area's best and brightest young talents, including many in the cast who hail from Branford. A recent rehearsal showed leads acting their parts to perfection and the entire cast keeping the story true to its blend of big hair, big heart, big numbers and big comedy.

Sheehan's ties to professional theatre and entertainment have helped STC gather some tremendous sponsors and support from the world of Broadway and right here in Branford. Sponsorships have helped the company to create fantastic sets, costumes, lighting and bring in a live pit orchestra to elevate the experience for local audiences.

"It's glorified community theatre," says Sheehan. "It's a great show to have right here in Branford. Everyone should see it!"

Parks and Recreation Director Alex Palluzzi Jr. stopped by during a recent rehearsal and welcomed the enthusiastic participation of shoreline residents enlivening this return of theatre and music camp offerings through Branford Parks and Rec.

Palluzzi noted theatre programming had been offered through Branford Parks and Rec many years ago, and that he and Assistant Recreation Director Dale Izzo are thrilled to be partnering with STC to re-introduce the offerings going forward.

"We had arts and theatre years ago and we wanted to bring it back. We met with Colin and Mike this winter and saw great opportunity for tying it all together," said Palluzzi. Palluzzi also thanks Branford Public Schools and Superintendent of Schools Hamlet Hernandez for supporting the programs and offering the facility for rehearsal, camp and performance space.

In addition to Hairspray, STC and Branford Parks and Recreation are offering a Youth Theatre Camp (June 18 – July 11) which will culminate in live performances of the musical Aladdin, Jr. at BHS. Youth camp members will even enjoy breakfast and lunch served every day during camp as part of the BPS's Free Summer Meals for kids (18 and under) being offered at BHS over the summer, said Palluzzi.

"It's amazing, when we come together, everyone helps with a little piece of it and it's a good thing for everyone. It's a win-win-win," said Palluzzi.

Sheehan, a Branford native who experienced the former Parks and Rec summer theatre kids' camps, agreed.

"Our youth theatre camp is such a great thing to be able to offer through Branford Parks and Rec – when I was kid, I didn't want to play sports or do the outdoor camp, I just wanted to play and act and sing and create shows," said Sheehan.

"So we're thrilled to be bringing Branford Hairspray and then continuing with our theatre camp and Aladdin Jr.," Sheehan said, adding, "...we're hoping that Shoreline Community Theatre will being doing things throughout the year."

For more information on Shoreline Theatre Company's production of Hairspray, Aladdin Jr. or other information, find Shoreline Theatre Company on Facebook,

call Branford Parks and Rec at (203) 488-8304 or email　ShorelineTheatreCompany@gmail.com