Kevin Ohlweiler of Verona will play Edna Turnblad in Gas Lamp Players Main Stage Production of Hairspray, February 9 to 11 at the Ridgewood Avenue School in Glen Ridge.
Ohlweiler joins a diverse cast of more than 90 adults and teens from Essex County to tell the story of tenacious teen Tracy Turnblad, her family and friends in 1962 Baltimore. Audience members will appreciate the timeless themes of acceptance and racial integration, as well as recognize songs including “Welcome to the 60s,” “Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now,” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat” in this high energy, family-friendly musical.
“I’m so excited to be starring as Edna Turnblad,” says Ohlweiler. “We have a fabulous, diverse, talented cast from all over Essex County.” Since graduating Verona High School with the class of 2010, Ohlweiler has been in over a dozen shows at community theaters all over New Jersey. That includes Legally Blonde the Musical as Professor Callahan, Little Shop of Horrors as the Voice of the Plant and Elf the Musical as Buddy the Elf.
Hairspray will be directed by Janeece Freeman Clark, musically directed by Kristy Graves, choreographed by Elisa Van Duyne and produced by Rennae Pelayo. Performances are Friday, February 9 at 8 p.m., Saturday, February 10 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 to $15 and can be purchased online.
