‘Hairspray’ musical to benefit Merced nonprofit

Playhouse Merced’s Saturday performance will serve as more than solely entertainment, as the show also will benefit victims of violence.

Playhouse’s version of “Hairspray” is a fundraiser for Valley Crisis Center during its show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, at the playhouse, 452 W. Main St.

Director Colton Dennis said the Saturday show will be the first with the center, which advocates for victims of sexual and domestic violence, but Playhouse teams up with others regularly for worthy causes.

“We try generally to support all the nonprofits in our area,” he said. “We’re particularly proud to be working with (Valley Crisis).”

Dennis said the musical, though lighthearted and full of laughs, also carries some serious themes. Originally a film from John Waters, a filmmaker known to test the limits, the musical is a romantic comedy that takes place during racially integrating 1960s Baltimore.

It’s 1962, and plump, big-haired teenager Tracy Turnblad dreams of dancing on the local teenage TV dance program, according to the Broadway show’s website. When she learns a few dance moves from her black friend Seaweed, her wish comes true and she becomes an instant local celebrity. Using her new-found fame, Tracy advocates for racial integration on the TV show.

As is tradition with the story, the lead’s mother is played by a man in drag. Drag icon Divine embodied the role in the original film in 1988.

Dennis said that on the surface, the musical may seem like a lesson only on acceptance, because it features a chubby lead. It also touches on issues of race.

“It was turbulent in Baltimore in the ’60s, which is still happening now,” he said. “We see it in the papers and we hear about it all the time, so it’s still relevant today.”

The Valley Crisis Center staff is looking forward to the benefit’s potential, according to Program Director Chee Yang. The money raised will go into the center’s general operations, which include legal advice, counseling and shelter for victims, among other services.

More recently, she said, the center has become focused on advocating for victims of human trafficking. Those victims, who are cut off from most all of their social ties, tend to have longer stays in shelters.

“We’re working between the margins and it’s important we help victims of human trafficking,” Yang said.

The center plans some informational pamphlets and discussions on its services before and after the show.

Tickets are $30 for the special showing, which includes fondue and other treats. Go to playhousemerced.com or call 209-725-8587.

This story was originally published February 11, 2016 at 12:18 PM with the headline "‘Hairspray’ musical to benefit Merced nonprofit."