Hairspray 2008

Special note about this production
During the summer of 2008 for the Teen Musical Theatre Camp MacGuffin produced the popular musical, Hairspray. As the Artistic Director/Director, I made several theatrical choices that were racially insensitive, including the use of signage/labels to indicate characters of different races and body types. The camp didn’t have the racial or physical requirements to appropriately cast the production and I tried to make the show about those labels. This was a mistake. I take full responsibility for these decisions and completely and wholeheartedly apologize to the cast, crew and the audience who came to see our performance. While I would never make those choices now, it’s important to recognize that hurt can linger far beyond that time and this note is one of many steps MacGuffin and I are making to strive to heal the wounds that were made and become better leaders and artists. I recognize that these words are not enough. If you were personally affected by the production or are a cast member, I invite a conversation. Please email me at jrea@macguffintf.com to begin.

John Rea
Artistic Director
September 2020

Directed by John Rea
Lyrics by Marc Shaiman & ScottWittman
Music by Marc Shaiman
Choreography by Sarah Bonner
“Miss Baltimore Crabs” Choreography by Annie Westphal

July, 2008
Plays & Players Theatre