Written by | Ray Cornelius
It was all about big hair, big laughs and big voices Wednesday night at the Official Atlanta Viewing Party for NBC’s “Hairspray Live!” The fundraising event, presented by Kenny Leon’s True Color’s Theatre Company, was packed with die-hard-fans of the beloved musical and other performing arts enthusiasts. The screening was held at King Plow’s Actor’s Express and featured food, cocktails and of course the highly anticipated show. The party was also hosted by 11 Alive news anchor Shiba Russell.
11 Alive News Anchor Shiba Russell
I had the pleasure of covering the evening and captured images of a few Atlanta notables who were in attendance including veteran 11 Alive news anchor Brenda Woods, “STAR” actress Jasmine Burke, TV and stage actor Eric Little, TV and film actress Nicki Scruz B, Atlanta Tribune’s Pat Lottier and Atlanta based filmmakers The Horne Brothers. True Colors Theatre Company staff were present included Managing Director, Jenn McEwen; Production Manager, Lisa L. Watson; Marketing and Sales Manager, Brenda Moorer and Board members Charmaine Ward and Holly Firfer.
Brenda Woods and Jasmine Burke
In “Hairspray Live!” teenager Tracy Turnblad’s dream is to dance on “The Corny Collins Show,” a local TV program. When against all odds Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight and meets a colorful array of characters, including the resident dreamboat, Link; the ambitious mean girl, Amber; an African-American boy she meets in detention, Seaweed; and his mother, Motormouth Maybelle, the owner of a local record store. Tracy’s mother is the indomitable Edna, and she eventually encourages Tracy on her campaign to integrate the all-white “Corny Collins Show.”
True Color’s Jenn McWren with Hairspray Live fan
“Hairspray Live!” featured an all-star cast including Harvey Fierstein, Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande, Kristin Chenoweth, Martin Short, Derek Hough, Dove Cameron, Garrett Clayton, Ephraim Sykes, Shahadi Wright Joseph and exciting newcomer Maddie Baillio. The show was directed by Atlanta’s own’s Kenny Leon.
Check out a few more images below & click here to read the NYT review of the show:
Nicky Scruz B
The Horne Brothers
True Color’s Lisa L. Watson
Charmaine Ward and guest
“Hairspray Live!” attendees
Pat Lottier and Renee Palmer
Eric J. Little with guests
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com