Top Hat to open with ‘Hairspray’

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Top Hat Productions will open its season Friday with “Hairspray,” which will run for three weekends.

The musical will start at 7:30 p.m. each Friday and Saturday at The Fairview Arts and Outreach Center, 4220 Youngstown-Poland Road.

This will be the first production using a wider, deeper stage constructed at the theater over the summer.

The expansion was necessary to accommodate the 48- member cast of the musical.

The lead role of Tracy Turnblad is being played by Natalie Cates. She was chosen from six semi-finalists who were chosen by audience participation and a panel of judges in reality-show-style auditions over the summer.

Other main cast members include Robert Dennick Joki, Denny Villa, Brian Palumbo, Anthony Villa, Tierney Chesney, Cher Halas, Jaylen Smith, Tiffany Sokol, Julie Palumbo, Annalese Samuel and Donna Huntley.

Tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com or by calling 800-838-3006.