YORK blues singer Jess Gardham will make her York Stage Musicals debut as “Motormouth” Maybelle in Hairspray this Easter at the Grand Opera House, York.

A stalwart of the York music scene, Jess has been performing since the age of 12 and is a singer/songwriter who plays solo and with her band Barcode Zebra.

“I’ve toured in the UK and USA and have supported Paul Carrack and KT Tunstall to name a few,” she says. “People in York will probably know me for my live performances in the Living Room cocktail bar [now called Missoula] on Bridge Street.”

The role of R&B record producer “Motormouth” Maybelle will be Jess’ first foray into musical theatre.

“The character is a sassy and soulful strong woman standing up for what she believes in. I’ve had some experiences in my life where I can really relate to her. Most importantly however, the role looks great fun,” she says.

Hairspray follows the plight of loveable teen dreamer Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, who becomes the unexpected star of a local television dance programme, The Corny Collins Show, much to the frustration of the station’s villainous producer, Velma Von Tussle.

The backdrop to this Broadway musical is 1960s Baltimore, USA, where black is black and white is white and “pleasantly plump” girls don’t dance on TV.

Never shy of standing up for what she believes in, Tracy launches a riotous campaign to integrate The Corny Collins Show into being all inclusive.

As she dances her way into the nation’s heart and helps her mother turn from frumpy housewife to swinging chick, Tracy falls for fellow TV teen idol Link Larkin, while gawky best friend Penny Pingleton catches the eye of a guy from the “wrong side” of town.

Director and choreographer Jess Hardcastle and her creative team now have their cast in place.

“York Stage Musicals have a reputation for finding and showcasing talent on the York stage and this show will be no exception,” says Jess. “Over a period of three weeks, we saw 140 people from around Yorkshire and we’ve had tough decisions to make.”

Maya Tether, from Goole, will lead the company as Tracy Turnblad, while York College student Conor Mellor will play Link Larkin.

In the theatrical tradition of cross-gender casting, Edna Turnblad, mother of Tracy and wife of Wilbur, will be played by Joe Wawrzyniak, which represents one heck of a contrast to his turn last September as villainous murderer Curtis Jackson in YSM’s Sister Act.

“Edna will be a real challenge for me as an actor,” Joe says. “I have to make the audience believe I’m a forty-something woman, when in reality I’m a 28-year-old man.”

Other roles go to Manor Academy head of drama Toni Feetenby as Velma Von Tussle; Knaresborough starlet Robyn McIntyre as Amber Von Tussel; seasoned professional Darren Roberts as Corney Collins; YSM regular Sandy Nicholson as Prudy Pingleton; newcomer Maya Bartley O’Dea as Penny Pingleton and Andy Stone as Wilbur Turblad.

Adam Tomlinson, the BBC Radio York afternoon show co-presenter, will be the musical director for a score of Sixties-style compositions by Marc Shaiman.

Among the effervescent songs are Good Morning Baltimore, Welcome To The 60s and You Can’t Stop The Beat.

Hairspray, The Broadway Musical will run at the Grand Opera House, York, from March 27 to April 4. Tickets are on sale at £18.90 to £25.90 on 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york

 

Win tickets

COURTESY of York Stage Musicals and the Grand Opera House, York, What’s On has a family ticket – two adults and two children – to be won for the first night of Hairspray on March 27 at 7.30pm.

Question: Who is choreographing York Stage Musicals’ production of Hairspray?

Send your answer with your name, address and daytime phone number, on a postcard, to Charles Hutchinson, Hairspray Competition, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN, or by email to charles.hutchinson@nqyne.co.uk, by next Friday. Usual competition rules apply.