Taking to the stage seemed like second nature for members of the Westhill High School Cheerleading Squad, who burst into the school auditorium during the recent Stamford districtwide convocation and celebrated the new academic year with a lively cheer.
Now, there's another early-year event that might inspire members. It also involves the stage, and it's also districtwide. But they'd be hearing cheers instead of leading them if they opted to audition for the musical "Hairspray."
The competition might be stiff. Auditions are open to everyone in grades 4 through 12, in both public and private schools. Rehearsals will be constant in the weeks leading to the December performances. But combing through the challenges for a possible brush with musical destiny could be worth the try.
"Hairspray" is a buoyant show about a Baltimore teenager living through 1960s social upheaval as she learns to assert herself, gains television fame and falls in love. And, she takes pains to keep every hair in place throughout each ordeal not to mention during all the songs and dance numbers.
The Tony Award-winning stage show is based on a 1988 film by John Waters.
Stamford Public Schools is sponsoring the local all-school musical.
Auditions, consisting of singing and dancing, will be held from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, and Tuesday, Sept. 14, at Rippowam Middle School, 381 High Ridge Road. Students should bring sheet music for a song to sing and wear clothes comfortable for dancing. Callbacks will take place Wednesday, Sept. 15, and Thursday, Sept. 16.
Performances are Dec. 3, 4, 10 and 11.
Everyone cast in the show will be charged a $75 participation fee to cover production costs. Some scholarships are available.
To register to audition or for more information, visit www.stamfordallschoolmusical.org.
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