(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center present the unstoppably joyous musical, Hairspray, over two weekends, July 11–20, 2025. Directed by Victoria Keiser, with musical direction by Lauryn Boyle and choreography by Samantha Amaral, the award-winning Broadway musical promises a fun-filled evening of laughter, energy and unforgettable dance numbers. Fawn Nocera Photography was on hand to take photos.

Hairspray, based on the John Waters’ cult classic film, takes place in 1962 in Baltimore where the lovable, plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network… all without denting her ‘do!

Book by Mark O’donnell and Thomas Meehan; Music by Marc Shaiman; Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman.

The MAC Players production features Ava Klugewicz (Tracy Turnblad), Clint Gilfillan (Corny Collins), Jeff Parsons (Edna Turnblad), Kaitlyn Racioppi (Penny Pingleton), Amber Alena (Velma Von Tussle), Emerson Granata (Amber Von Tussle), Chase Haffner (Link Larkin), Gavin Bailey (Seaweed J. Stubbs), Brinala D. Wall (Little Inez), Daisha Davis (Motormouth Maybelle), Steve Bartlow (Wilbur Turnblad), Dana Trujillo (Prudy Pingleton) and John Maschio (Harriman E. Spritzer).

Performances take place Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12 at 7:00pm; Sunday, July 13 at 2:00pm; Friday, July 18 and Saturday, July 19 at 7:00pm; and Sunday, July 20 at 2:00pm. Tickets range from $17.50–$32.50 ($5 student/senior discount) with reserved seating and are available for purchase online or by calling the MAC Box Office at 732-706-4100.

The Middletown Arts Center is located at 36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ (next to the Middletown Train Station). Free parking is available onsite with additional free parking available in the station-metered lot on weekday evenings after 6:00pm and on weekends.

Here are more photos from the production by Fawn Nocera Photography.

The Middletown Arts Center (MAC) is an award-winning, state-of-the-art facility in Middletown, New Jersey that offers performances, exhibits, classes, demonstrations and camps centering on the arts. Its convenient location across from the Middletown train station on Church Street enables easy access and its expanded MAC Annex Education Building is minutes away next to the Middletown Reformed Church.

The MAC is operated by a non-profit 501c3, the Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council dedicated to bringing quality arts programming and events to Middletown and surrounding communities. Visit the website for more information and to join their mailing list for updates on classes, camps and activities at the Middletown Arts Center.

ALL PHOTOS BY Fawn Nocera Photography