Stuart-Hobson Middle School
PRESENTS
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HAIRSPRAY
The Broadway Musical
Based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by JOHN WATERS
Orchestrations by Harold Wheeler
Arrangements by Marc Shaiman
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the Stuart-Hobson DramaPlayers |
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Directed by: Choreographed by: |
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| Hairspray Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com |
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Welcome to Hairspray!
At its heart, Hairspray is a story about belonging, courage, joy, and the power of young people to create change. While the story takes place in 1960s Baltimore, its message still resonates deeply today. It reminds us that kindness matters, that every voice deserves to be heard, and that real progress often begins when ordinary people decide to stand together with courage and compassion.
Those themes have felt especially meaningful throughout this season for the SHMS DramaPlayers. Over the years, our program has continued to grow—not just in numbers, but in confidence, creativity, leadership, and heart. What once began as a small theater community has grown into a vibrant family of over 100 student artists, technicians, musicians, dancers, and storytellers. This year alone, our students performed on the national stage at the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta, earned the prestigious All-Festival Award, and were honored by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation with the Frazen Award. Yet beyond the awards and recognition, what continues to matter most is the growth happening inside these young people every single day.
One of the greatest joys of directing middle school theater is watching students discover gifts they did not yet realize they had. During this production, we witnessed incredible emerging leadership from students across every area of the program. Jess Glaiyser’s keen eye for detail, thoughtful instincts, and mature leadership style became an essential part of this process as she stepped up to help guide and direct many scenes throughout rehearsals. Watching Zeve and David tackle technical challenges with patience, problem-solving, and generosity reminded us how important student leadership behind the scenes can be. Over their years at Stuart, they have become trusted resources for anyone needing technical assistance, always willing to jump in and help solve problems with excellence and humility.
This production also allowed students to step into new levels of confidence and ownership. Watching Cora grow as a lighting designer has been inspiring as she developed both technical skill and artistic confidence throughout the process. Richard continually reminded us what it means to maximize your moment, bringing enthusiasm, positivity, and commitment into every rehearsal space he entered. And while many already recognize Addie for her incredible dance ability, this production created opportunities for audiences to also experience the strength, growth, and beauty of her vocal talents.
What makes all of this especially meaningful is remembering that these are middle school students. Over what feels like such a short period of time, we have watched them grow physically, emotionally, artistically, and maturely. We have watched shy students find confidence, leaders emerge unexpectedly, friendships deepen, and young people learn how to support one another through both challenges and triumphs. Theater has become more than a performance space—it has become a place where students learn discipline, empathy, collaboration, resilience, and self-expression.
To our graduating 8th graders, this production represents your “Final Curtain” as SHMS DramaPlayers. Thank you for helping shape the spirit and culture of this program. Your energy, leadership, humor, creativity, and love for one another have left an imprint that will continue long after you leave our stage. You have helped build something truly special here.
To our parent volunteers, creative team, school staff, and community supporters: thank you for continuing to believe in the arts and in our students. Your support allows these young artists to dream boldly and experience opportunities that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
And finally, to our DramaPlayers: thank you for your bravery to shine brightly, take risks, support one another, and tell stories that matter. Watching you grow into confident artists and young leaders continues to be one of the greatest joys of my life.
Thank you for supporting a little Broadway on the Hill. Enjoy the show!
Sincerely,
Tori Pergerson, Director
SHMS Dramaplayers
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