
Tracy (Lily Castle) and heartthrob Link (Spencer Claus) make the perfect couple in Desert Foothills Youth Theater’s production of Hairspray. Photo credit Wade Moran.
By Sue Kern-Fleisher
Desert Foothills Theater (DFT), a division of the Foothills Community Foundation, celebrates its 40th season with its second youth theater production of the season, Hairspray, set for Fri., Jan. 9 through Sun., Jan. 18 in the intimate Black Box Theater of Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center, 33606 N. 60th Street, in North Scottsdale.
Directed by Chris Hamby, DFT’s production of Hairspray features a talented young cast ranging in age from 13 to adult. The family-friendly musical was the winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical. Audience members can expect to see piled bouffant high combined with laughter, romance, and deliriously tuneful songs.
The plot takes place in 1962 in Baltimore, where the lovable plus-size teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire — to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network, all without denting her ‘do!

Tracy (Lily Castle) is overjoyed to be near Link (Spencer Claus) in Desert Foothills Youth Theater’s production of Hairspray running January 9-18 at Cactus Shadows Fine Arts Center in north Scottsdale. Tickets at www.dftheater.org. Photo credit Wade Moran.
Over the years, Desert Foothills Theater has increased its commitment to providing educational opportunities for young actors throughout the north Valley. The non-profit recently added a fourth location for classes and workshops at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity on Miller Road in order to provide easy access for families living in the Sonoran Hills, Grayhawk, DC Ranch, Tatum Ranch, Desert Ridge and other nearby communities.
Performances for Hairspray are at 7 p.m. January 9, 10, 16 & 17, 2 p.m. January 11, 17 & 18. Tickets range from $16 to $21 for adults and $12 to $16 for youth and students. Visit www.dftheater.org or call (480) 488-1981.
Desert Foothills Theater (DFT) is a program of the Foothills Community Foundation (FCF). DFT wishes to thank its supporters, including the following sponsors: Arizona Commission on the Arts with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, Scottsdale Cultural Council, Scottsdale League for the Arts, Carefree Kiwanis and our many additional business and individual supporters!
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