Coiffed cast have a lot to spray in stage debut

Opera kids put on show

The energetic cast of Monklands Light Opera Youth won’t be able to stop the beat when they bring their debut production to Airdrie this week.

On-song members of the group – for P4-S4-aged kids– will be coiffed to perfection as they present their adaptation of hit stage and screen musical Hairspray.

Performances of Hairspray Jr run from tomorrow until Sunday at Ebenezer Congregational Church hall, on Broomknoll Street.

MLO Youth launched last December as a separate troupe to the senior Monklands Light Opera and the all-singing, alldancing youngsters’ anticipation is building to fever pitch ahead of their first-ever stage show.

A group spokesperson gave a flavour of what audiences can expect from the production: “Hairspray Jr is a family-friendly musical piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs.

“Adapted from the Broadway production that won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, this will be a show that will celebrate diversity and bring audiences to their feet with its positive message and uproarious sense of humour.

“The plot is set in 1962 and sees spunky plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, have one dream – to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When she finally gets her shot, she’s transformed from social outcast to sudden star.

“Hairspray Jr is filled with a host of parts for a wide cross-section of our students and an abundance of energetic production numbers.”

The Hairspray Jr shows take place at 7.30pm from tomorrow until Saturday, with 2pm performances on Saturday and Sunday.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £7 concessions and are available by calling 07824 159136 or visiting www.mlo.club

Anticipation is building MLO Youth members prepare for their big debut production during rehearsals