I love musical theater, don’t you?!?
Last week I had the pleasure of shooting a local production of HAIRSPRAY performed by the Riverdale Rising Stars at The Riverdale Y. The Rising Stars is a group of super talented teens. This show was AMAZING! I was there twice to photograph it, and both times the show was sold out! Actually more than sold out – they had to bring chairs in from the other rooms.
I brought my girls to see it. We had to come a bit early so I could set up so they managed to snag some front row seats. I’m sure they weren’t TOO distracting!
While they sat and watched the show, I hung out in the back with my camera. Photographing live theater isn’t the easiest task. The lights are constantly changing and there’s not much room to move around. I thought since I was in the back, I’d have a lot of room but there’s so much going on in the background that you’re not even aware of. The spotlights are set up in a certain place, you can’t stand in certain areas because it effects the sound, the actors are coming in and out. It’s crazy! Who knew?!?
Once the show started, the audience was immediately engaged.
These two were HYSTERICAL! They make a great comedy team! It’s a wonder I got any photos of them – too busy laughing when they were on stage! In the movie, John Travolta (my boyfriend) plays the part of Tracy’s mom. I think that role is always played by a guy. It definitely works!!
There’s one word to describe these girls – SASSY with a capital “S”!! Even when they sang, they had a certain tone to their voices that just oozed sassiness. Could you tell I liked them?
What I really loved about the whole experience was the complete integration of a community. The Riverdale Y is primarily a JEWISH Community Center, but with this show, it was just a COMMUNITY Center. It was great to see people from all different ethnic backgrounds joined together, oohing and ahhhing at their kids and having a great time!
There should be more events like this.
It’s really amazing all of the talent that’s hidden in these little community theaters. If you have one in your area, you should definitely check them out. You will be pleasantly surprised!
Here are a few favorite shots from the show…
With vivid memmories of the show still floating around in my head, it was sad to see the set taken down only one day after closing. Not to worry though… there are new shows on the horizon! Three more are scheduled before the start of summer. Rumors – performed by the Riverdale Repertory Company (adults), Aladdin – performed by the Riverdale Rising Stars Junior (kids ages 7 to 12) and Willy Wonka which will be interesting for 2 reasons… first – the cast will have performers from both the Repertory Company as well as the Rising Stars Juniors and second – my daughter is in it!! Playing Veruca Salt – the nasty spoiled kid. Not a surprise – she’s been living the role for 7 years now!!
If you’re in the Riverdale area, check out the schedule for the upcoming shows.
To see more ( a lot more) photos from HAIRSPRAY, you can view this slideshow.
Have you seen HAIRSPRAY – either the movie or live performance? What did you think?
Hey, that’s exactly what Hairsprays about. Bringing together a community. I have always loved Hairspray – it should be mandatory for all schools to do this play. Why is that girls shirt unbuttoned in the fifth picture? Lemme find out. hahahahah
KD – exactly “We just want to dance!”
re: the shirt – funny! No skin showing though – she had something underneath.
Your post absolutely makes me want to see their next production.
Thanks Doug!
Wow – I can’t believe I missed this!! And is that really they Riverdale Y theater??? Your pics are AWESOME – at least I could feel like I was there 🙂
Yes, it’s a REAL theater!!
These pictures are so great! We saw the show twice and they really capture the essence of the performers and the high energy of the performances!
Thanks Jodi. We were here twice as well. Even my little one who normally could barely sit through a show was mesmorized and wanted to go for a third time!
Fab pix! Great advertising for the Y….This will make everyone want to come see all of their productions. And you got a good representation too. Great individual moments and full cast shots. Excellent!
Leslie
Wow! So nice – thanks for the kind words Leslie!
Love these pictures and your post! I’m just sorry I missed the show! I am going to see if these performance companies have email lists I may sign to get notices about furture shows- espeically ones that include all people from the “community”.
Looks like great fun! I wish I lived in New York.
Love,
Heather
You can always come for a visit!
Hey Stacey, it’s Penny — i googled your site, hoping there’d be some pictures of Hairspray, and am I glad I did. These are just wonderful, you’ve done an amazing job capturing the magic that is Hairspray. I’m so happy to see these!
As the one who dressed all these beautiful kids, I can tell you why Tracy’s shirt is open, too — an extremely quick change and a new kind of velcro that doesn’t snag fabric, but also doesn’t work very well. Lesson learned.
See you soon!
Penny – you do such a great job with the kids – they always look amazing! Can’t wait to see how everyone looks for the next 3 shows!
I’am one of the kids who was involved in this production, I was a dynamite, but in cast A. The pictures are amazing, I remember standing by you when I was not on stage while you took these pictures they are really good. Thank you for posting a blog with pictures about the Riverdale Y Hairspray Musical, Also Penny you were fantastic with your role of dressing us all, It was not an easy job. It was a hardworking yet marvelous experience. I’am glad that you both were part of the experience, and enjoyed the show.
Thanks Zeneigy! Also, it was so great meeting you yesterday at the BBQ. Looking forward to your next show. Keep me updated!