The theater department has begun rehearsals with the entire cast and crew for the upcoming spring musical “Hairspray.” Senior Carmella Whipple provided insight into these rehearsals and the life of a high school lead character. 

Set in 1960s Baltimore, “Hairspray” features Tracy Turnblad and her battle to combat segregation and false ideas of ideal body image on “The Corny Collins Show,” a local TV program. It features a number of songs and dances such as “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.”

“It is such a dream come true. Getting a lead in a high school production is just like a fairytale” said Whipple after she found out she would get the chance to perform as Tracy. 

According to Whipple, the typical rehearsal is about three hours long after school Monday through Thursday and then most Sundays for about four hours. Her usual rehearsal consists of dancing, singing or acting. 

When asked if she was concerned with the major time commitment, Whipple said, “I am not really worried because I’ve been doing theater for four years, so I have gotten used to balancing homework and rehearsal. Thankfully, rehearsals don’t go super late until we get to tech week.”

Overall, Whipple seems thrilled about rehearsals. “I am super excited for the production, and I can’t wait for it to come together. It’s so much fun. I love everybody in the cast because they are super supportive and nice” said Whipple.

“Hairspray” shows will be performed on April 17, April 18 and April 19 in the auditorium. Tickets will be available on gocathedral.com/theater.