Edison State to perform ‘Hairspray’
Theatre Department earns Risk Award, Excellent review

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. – After being recognized for its excellence and willingness to take risks, the Theatre Department at Edison State College Charlotte Campus has stepped up its game once again with the upcoming production of “Hairspray.”

The wildly successful and acclaimed musical comedy debuts on the Edison stage April 13 for a three-night run sure to please area theatre enthusiasts.

“Whether it was the original John Waters movie in 1988, Broadway debut in 2002 that won eight Tony Awards or the 2007 remake starring John Travolta, most of us fell in love with ‘Hairspray’ the first time we saw it,” Edison State Theatre Director Sherie Ragan said. “It’s got all the elements for a timeless classic you just can’t get enough of, and we’ve put together another great cast ready to deliver a fantastic performance.”

Edison stage veteran Korina Chilcoat has the starring role of Tracy Turnblad, the plump teenager who lives her dream as a dancer on The Corny Collins Show. Set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, “Hairspray” delivers a social commentary as Turnblad uses her overnight celebrity status to integrate the show.

Opening night is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, April 13 with a Saturday, April 14 show also set for 7 p.m. and the finale at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 15. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students with identification.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit Edison.edu/charlotte/theatre or call 941-637-3513.

Edison State’s fall rendition of “The Crucible” earned the Theatre Department recognition from the Florida College System Activities Association. A review of the show by Amanda Schlachter earned Edison State an Excellent ranking and The Risk Award.

“I believe the staff and students took a huge risk to produce a show of deeper subject matter,” Schlachter wrote in her nomination. “Not only were they challenging themselves with a show involving great intellectual research, studied characters and emotional depth, they were asking their audience to do the same. … This play was able to address so many socially relevant issues and I applaud this theatre program for having the courage to attack such a major production.”

Schlachter’s nomination categorized Edison State’s Theatre Department as “a new kind of dramatic voice in the community.” Nine members of “The Crucible” cast – Brandon Blondun, Louis Brady, Thomas Hayward, Victoria Lawson, Shelia Moore, Andrew O’Brien, Ashle Steffenhagen, Heather Weir and Joseph White II – also received individual Excellent reviews.

Brady, Hayward, O’Brien and Weir each return to the Edison stage in “Hairspray.”

Delta Psi Omega Theatre Fraternity

Delta Psi Omega was organized in 1929 to provide an honor society for those doing a high standard of work in dramatics and wider fellowship for those interested in college theatre.

As Edison State College's local chapter, Delta Psi Omega strives to encourage theatrical activity on campus and throughout the community and is open to all students interested in college theatre.

Delta Psi omega produces two mainstage productions each academic season - a Fall Show and a Spring Musical. In 1999 DPO produced its first summer production.

In addition to fostering theater on campus and providing fellowship for students interested in theatre, DPO sends eligible members to the Florida Theatre Conference to audition for summer jobs in the theatre. DPO also offers a theatre scholarship to graduating high school seniors. Auditions are held in April and are open to all seniors intending to major in theatre.