Hairspray

TICKETS!

The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center
Presents

hairspray

The Broadway Musical

📸 CAST SNAPSHOTS!

Book by MARK O’DONNELL & THOMAS MEEHAN
Music by MARC SHAIMAN
Lyrics by SCOTT WITTMAN & MARC SHAIMAN
Based on the New Line Cinema film, written and directed by John Waters

Director VICTORIA KEISER  
Musical Director LAURYN BOYLE        
Choreographer SAMANTHA AMARAL    

It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and 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!

AVA KLUGEWICZ (Tracy Turnblad) is thrilled to be making her MAC debut as Tracy! Her recent credits include Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Bellarine & Jersey Shore Arts Center), Miss Hannigan in Annie (Strand Theater), Mama Bear in SHREK The Musical (Axelrod Performing Arts Center) and Featured Parent in Matilda (Strand Theater). When not on stage, Ava directs and choreographs musicals at Howell Middle School North and Millstone Elementary School. She is also the social media manager at HPALTC. She would like to thank her family for all of their support from the first time she took the stage as Tracy’s understudy in 6th grade to now getting to make this role her own. She also wants to thank her best friends and students for their love and support, especially everyone she has met during this process. 

CLINT GILFILLAN (Corny Collins) is overjoyed to return to the stage after a 14-year hiatus, proving it’s never too late to chase your dreams and share the light they bring with others. A proud native Austinite, Clint is honored to be part of this remarkable cast and creative team. He is forever grateful to his parents for nurturing his love of performing from an early age. This performance is lovingly dedicated to his partner, Neil Greenstein, whose constant encouragement, laughter, and unwavering love have made this journey back to the stage all the more meaningful.

JEFF PARSONS (Edna Turnblad) has waited to play this role for 23 years and is so happy to return to musical comedy after previously appearing as Ned Weeks in The Normal Heart (Players Guild of Leonia) and Old Soldier/Judge Roan (Roundtable Theatre) this year. Other N.J. credits include A New Brain, Titanic, The Prom (Old Library Theatre), Elf (CDC), Falsettos (Antrim Playhouse) and Greater Tuna (Studio Players). Jeff has spent many years producing and stage managing for film and stage, including Nine (OLT), Deathtrap (PGL), Hand to God (NLT), It Shoulda Been You (OLT) and the first middle school pilot production of Wicked Jr. at Teaneck Community Charter School. Thanks to his incredibly supportive family and this phenomenal cast and creative team.

KAITLYN RACIOPPI (Penny Pingleton) is thrilled to return to the MAC stage for one of her dream shows: Hairspray! Previous The MAC Players credits include Seussical (Ensemble), The SpongeBob Musical (Electric Skate/Dance Captain) and Legally Blonde (Leilani/Dance Captain). Kaitlyn recently earned her B.A. in Linguistics from Montclair State University and will be heading back this fall to pursue her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology. A lifelong fan of Hairspray, she’s ready to “welcome you to the 60s” with this incredibly talented cast and creative team. Special thanks to Kathy, Victoria, Lauren, Sam, Amethyst and the entire cast and crew for making this experience unforgettable. All the love to her parents, siblings, boyfriend, family and friends for always cheering her on; she couldn’t have done it without you!

AMBER ALENA (Velma Von Tussle) is excited to return to the MAC stage this summer and go back to the 60s! Recent credits include Nine (Our Lady of the Spa), Wish upon a Song (Evil Stepmother), Scrooge (Isabel), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Renee/ensemble) and Legally Blonde (Brooke Wyndham). She would like to thank her family and friends for their encouragement, support and love. Thanks to Victoria, Kathy, Lauryn, Sam, Amethyst and the rest of the cast and crew for being awesome! And last but not least, a big shoutout to her son, Jace.  

EMERSON GRANATA (Amber Von Tussle) is thrilled to be making her debut with The MAC Players in Hairspray! A rising Sophomore at Holmdel High School, Emerson has been performing since age 8 when she first fell in love with the stage playing a squid in The Little Mermaid. Some of her favorite credits include Katherine (Newsies), Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Gertrude (Seussical), Gretchen (Mean Girls) and Squid (The Little Mermaid). She looks forward to participating in the Paper Mill Playhouse Musical Theatre Intensive camp later this Summer! You can catch her next in Footloose at the Count Basie Center for the Arts on July 23rd! Emerson is so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of her dream show, and wants to thank her incredible cast, crew and production team for all of their hard work and support! 

CHASE HAFFNER (Link Larkin) is so excited to be a part of this amazing production. He is a recent graduate of William Paterson University with a degree in Media Production. Hairspray is his second show with The MAC Players after performing in Legally Blonde last summer (Emmett). His past credits include Twisted (Ja’far), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Phoebus) and Sweeney Todd (Sweeney Todd). He would like to thank this wonderful cast and crew, as well as his family, for their love and support. 

GAVIN BAILEY (Seaweed J. Stubbs) is excited to be in his first production with The MAC Players. He is entering his third year at Texas Christian University and is pursuing his B.F.A. in musical theatre. Gavin has appeared in productions such as Theatre TCU’s All Shook Up (Dance Ensemble), The Skin of our Teeth (Mammoth), Axelrod’s production of Grease (Ensemble), Brick Memorial’s Newsies (Race), Mamma Mia (Pepper) and countless other productions up and down the coast! Gavin is very thankful for the cast and crew of Hairspray! He would also love to thank his parents and the loving memory of his brother!

BRINALA WALL (Little Inez) is 29 years old and from Neptune, N.J. She graduated from Benedict College with a B.A. in music. While her instrument is voice, she also enjoys dancing and modeling (a recent Barbizon Modeling School grad). She is currently taking acting classes, and one day she hopes to have her own fashion line, as well as become an inspirational entertainer and artist. 

DAISHA DAVIS (Motormouth Maybelle) is so excited to return to the MAC stage! She recently played the role of Dragon in The MAC Players’ production of SHREK The Musical. Daisha is a B.A. Theatre graduate from Kean University and a Performing Arts Teacher in her hometown of Newark, N.J. Hairspray was the first show she ever performed, and it holds a special place in her heart. Daisha has been seen on many stages throughout N.J. and some of her favorite credits include Memphis (Felicia), Avenue Q (Gary Coleman), Once on this Island (Asaka), Children of Eden (Eve), Seussical (Sour Kangaroo) and many more! Daisha would like to thank her friends, family and fellow cast members for all their love and support. Special shoutout to her Mom, Maisha Davis, for making her Big, Blonde and Beautiful wig for this production! 

STEVE BARTLOW (Wilbur Turnblad) is truly honored to be part of this production of Hairspray, his first with The MAC Players! Steve studied acting and directing at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. He has appeared in and directed dozens of productions throughout the shore area; some favorite roles include Dick Deadeye in HMS Pinafore; Potiphar in Joseph…Dreamcoat; Alfie in One Man, Two Guvnors; Bela Zangler in Crazy For You; Zach in A Chorus Line;  Grimsbey in The Little Mermaid; Roat in Wait Until Dark. Many thanks to Kathy, Victoria, Lauryn, Samantha, Amethyst and this talented cast and production team. Eternal gratitude to Chris, Lauren, Astrid and his wonderful family for all their love and support.

DANA TRUJILLO (Prudy Pingleton/Gym Teacher/Matron) is thrilled to make her MAC debut! A proud veteran of community theater, Dana’s favorite past roles include the Baker’s Wife (Into the Woods), Nostradamus (Something Rotten), Mrs. Wormwood (Matilda) and Johanna (Sweeney Todd). When she’s not performing, Dana is a Licensed Mental Health Clinician and a proud mother of three incredible children (Cosette, Jonah and Ryder) who inspire her every single day. Dana would like to thank the incredible production team for welcoming her with open arms and the very talented cast and crew for their infectious energy! And as always, Dana sends so much love and gratitude to her family and friends for always supporting her and encouraging her to keep on performing! 

JOHN MASCHIO (Harriman E. Spritzer / Principal / Mr. Pinky) works on the waterfront in Port Elizabeth, N.J., and has been involved in theater for the last 22 years. That is where he met his lovely wife, Megan, who gave him his two beautiful daughters, Abigail and Amelia. John would like to thank the cast, crew and directors for their support and patience throughout the rehearsal process. 

LIA SILVERSTEIN (Corny Dancer/Nicest Kid in Town) resides in Middletown, N.J. Most recently, Lia performed in Godspell (Joanne) at Brookdale Community College. Her other Brookdale PAC credits include Brookdale Community College Haunted Theatre (Alex Frost). Community credits include Legally Blonde (Ensemble) at the Middletown Arts Center. Educational credits include The Wedding Singer (Ensemble), Chicago (Ensemble) and Grease (Ensemble) at Middletown High School So. She would like to thank her friends, her family and Lane Napper. She would also like to thank Wawa for caffeinated mango smoothies and Nikki Blonsky from Hairspray The Movie. You can find Lia on social media @lia_silverstein

EMILY ELIAS (Brenda) is thrilled to perform in her first MAC production and make her return to the stage in her first show since graduating from college. A 2024 graduate of The College of New Jersey, Emily works as a middle school math teacher during the school year and a theatre camp counselor in the summer. Emily also coaches middle school field hockey and assistant directs the spring musical in her school district. Some of Emily’s favorite credits include Something Rotten (Minstrel), Into the Woods (Jack’s Mom), Puffs (Susie Bones, Harry, Ric Gryff, Bippy) and The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Florika). Emily would like to thank her family and friends for supporting her in everything she does and encouraging her to get back on stage. Thank you to everyone at the MAC for welcoming her with open arms. Break legs to the cast and crew of Hairspray!

LILIANA ZERTUCHE (Shelley) is a sophomore at Henry Hudson Regional HS. She loves performing, and even when not in a show, she tries to keep up practice in acting and dance classes. She has previously showcased her passion in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Lucy; HHRS), Bye Bye Birdie (Rosie; HHRS), The Drowsy Chaperone (Ensemble; HHRS), West Side Story (Jets Girl; Phoenix Productions) and Urinetown (Little Sally; HHRS). She cannot wait for everyone to see her performance as Shelley in Hairspray.

JONES ALMEIDA (Corny Kid/Ensemble) is thrilled to be back at the MAC for his fourth appearance with The MAC Players. Most recently, he was seen in Mary Poppins (Dance Ensemble) with Phoenix Productions and Curtains (Oscar Shapiro) at Holmdel HS. Previous MAC credits include Guys and Dolls (Crab-shooter/Ensemble), The SpongeBob Musical (Ensemble), Suessical (Ensemble)! He hopes you guys enjoy seeing him and the rest of this stellar cast not stopping the beat!!

MATT KOVAR (IQ) is excited to make his debut at the MAC in Hairspray! He is a student at CRHS who loves spending every moment on stage. He  thanks his great friends Elizabeth and Lauren for making every moment here the best; his fantastic acting teacher Ms. Raff who always encourages him; and Shivs, Solomon, Drew and Ms. Moore for their support throughout his journey at CRHS. Enjoy the show!

BRYAN REIMERTZ (Fender) is ecstatic to make his MAC debut! He currently studies theatre at Western Connecticut State University, where he has performed in multiple staged productions. He sends thanks to the entire production staff, as well as his mom and family for always supporting him! 

AIDAN FALZON (Sketch) is excited to be returning to the MAC stage after a year’s absence! No stranger to the stage, Aidan has been performing all over Central Jersey with roles including Nigel Bottom (Something Rotten), Lefou (Beauty and the Beast) and Principal Hawkins (Prom). Aidan is currently at Brookdale pursuing a Theatre major and a minor in Biology. Off the stage, he works as a movie theater attendant and likes to collect vinyl records and jam out on his bass in his spare time. Aidan, as always, would like to thank his friends and wonderful family for their constant support, and to the cast and crew for making this show one to remember.

MEGAN RAFFERTY (Corny’s Kid) is beyond excited to shake and shimmy for her third musical at the MAC! When not dancing for the Corny Collins show, Megan is a High School English and Acting teacher, a manager at a Playa Bowls, an EF tours student tour leader and head of stage crew for a local high school’s annual musical. Recent credits include Legally Blonde (Serena, The MAC Players), Spongebob the Musical (Mrs. Puff, The MAC Players), The Prom! (Ensemble, Spring Lake Theater Company). Big hair, big dreams and even bigger gratitude for the cast, crew, directors and my amazing support system — thanks for always keeping my hairspray stocked and my heart full.

EMMA CLIFTON (Tammy) is so excited to join the MAC’s production of Hairspray! Her previous credits include Kate Monster in Avenue Q, Pearl in The SpongeBob Musical, and Regina George in Mean Girls. Hairspray is Emma’s first production outside of school, and she cannot wait for you to see the show, along with her castmates’ work!

DUANE BANKS (Gilbert) is so excited to join this stellar cast of Hairspray! Duane is an NYC/NJ-based actor, singer and dancer. Off-Broadway credits include Two Gentlemen of Verona and The Little Princess. Regional credits include Ragtime. Other credits include Ragtime, In The Heights, Once on This Island and Les Misérables. TV and film credits include Sandy & Source, WSAV. Duane is a two-time Perry Award Nominee for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical. He is also a choreographer with credits in Madagascar Jr., Dear Edwina, James and the Giant Peach and VTC’s Broadway Bound Showcase. Duane studied Musical Theatre at Montclair State University and serves as the Co-Founder of The Inspired Tomorrow, an organization dedicated to inspiring young artists through mentorship and motivation. @_duanebanks 

TRAVIS GASTON (Duane / Seaweed’s Understudy) is thrilled and incredibly grateful to be performing and learning his roles in Hairspray. This marks his first understudy role in the community theater world. Travis would like to thank the MAC for this amazing opportunity to showcase his talents and grow as an artist. He gives all glory to God, without whom none of this would be possible, and he extends heartfelt thanks to his family for their unwavering love and support throughout his theater journey. Travis hopes to make them proud as he continues to chase his dream—not only to play a lead role, but one day to grace a Broadway stage.

KIAYVETTE CLAYTON (Lorraine / Dynamite, Shayna) is a powerhouse actress, playwright, and praise‑and‑worship leader whose talent commands both stage and screen. A proud Kean University graduate (B.A. in Theatre Arts – Performance), Kia anchors several standout indie projects with compelling leading performances in Rasheeda’s Way, Evicted, the festival-nominated feature, Those Who Can and the Tubi web series, Cold Summer. Whether navigating intense drama or lighting up comedic moments, she captivates with honesty, energy, and heart. Kia Yvette Clayton is a rising force in American film and theatre—a storyteller with purpose.

LAUREN STEFANAKIS (Stooie / Dynamite, Judine), from Tinton Falls, N.J., is super excited to be returning to The MAC Players in Hairspray! Her previous credits include A Song For Christmas (Marlena), Spelling Bee (Maeve Mahoney), The SpongeBob Musical (Ms. Major) and Jesus Christ Superstar (Ensemble). She would like to thank the MAC artistic team, friends and her mother for always supporting her. Cast time to boogie it down, because you can’t stop the beat! 

JOLÉ ANTOINETTE (Cindy Watkins / Dynamite, Kamilah) is excited to work with The MAC Players for the first time in Hairspray! She is beyond excited to work on these challenging yet fun harmonies and dances with the rest of the cast while developing further as an actor. Her credits include Jaja’s African Hair Braiding (Miriam), School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play (Mercy), The Music Man (Ethel Toffelmeier), Two Trains Running (Risa), La Belle et La Bete (Jolie), Certifiably, Yours (Patience), The Chef (Dorissa), Dog Sees God (Tricia), Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Ella) and Pride and Prejudice (Lizzy). Outside of theatre, Jolé can be seen watching anime, history dramas, and reading many, many fantasy novels. @jole_antoinette  joleantoinette.com