Tuesday, June 28, 2011 4:18 pm

The Arts Center of Cannon County presents the international smash-hit musical Hairspray for the first time in July. This fun and fabulous eight-time Tony Award-winning show is on stage for three weekends July 8th – 24th.

Welcome to 1960s Baltimore, where Tracy Turnblad the plus-sized teen heroine has big hair, a big heart and a big desire to dance on the Corny Collins Show. When she wins a spot on the local TV dance program, and is quickly transformed into a teen celebrity, Tracy sets out to vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of the super handsome Link Larkin, and racially integrate the television show - all without denting her do!

Hairspray is directed by Darryl Deason with musical direction by Robert Hiers and choreography by Kaleena DeVar. Songs include "Good Morning Baltimore," "Welcome to the „60s," "Big, Blonde and Beautiful," and "You Can’t Stop The Beat."

Allison Barnett plays the role of Tracy, with Scott Willis playing teen heartthrob Link Larkin. Arts Center favorite Matt Smith is hilarious in the role of Edna Turnblad, with Robert Hiers as Wilbur Turnblad, Scarlett Turney as Velma Von Tussle and Lindsay Mapes as Amber Von Tussle. Drew Lyons plays the role of Seaweed with Zoe Phillips as his sister, Little Inez. Matt Hunter plays the role of Corny Collins.

Also included in this ensemble  cast are Abbey Kairdolf, Elisa Lyons, Kyle McCurry, Karen Lewis, E.J. Gresham, Zavier Phillips, Tifani Thurman, Jessica Washington, MacKenzie Lewis, Taylor Duggin, Savannah Knapp, Mason Leonard, Alanna Woodard, Cody Rutledge, Brenna Todd, Zach Kelley, Mandi Davis, Tameka Graham, Jakista Eubanks, Deanna Reed, Breanna Booker, Stephanie Garcia, Cheyenne McAdoo, Ling-ling Phongsa, Matt Henry, Joseph Brown, Lacey Floyd, Allysa Whorton, Michelle Davis, Shelley Harris, Miranda Reed, Nick Mullins, Michael Spencer, Joshua Grimes, Cora Frye, Josie Fitzgerald, Olivia Henry, Leanna Blondin, Erin Brown, Anna Whittemore, Hannah Nokes, and Carly Spry.

The performance schedule for all shows is Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets for Hairspray are $12 with discounts available for students, seniors and groups and  may be purchased by calling the Arts Center box office at 615-563-(ARTS) 2787 or 1-800-235-9073. Tickets may also be purchased online at http://www.artscenterofcc.com. The Kitchen at The Arts Center is open before all performances.