Warwick students perform with Broadway stars in 'Hairspray'

SUGAR LOAF — From Aug. 27 through the 30th, a select group of Warwick students who are part of the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Academy Professional Apprentice Program had the opportunity to perform in "Hairspray, the musical," alongside Broadway actors from the original cast.

"Hairspray" was directed by Joyce Persutti, who was nominated for a Tony award as a theater educator and the Broadway dance captain of "Hairspray," Robbie Roby.

The cast included professionals such as Terita Redd, who had a lead in the Broadway cast of "Hairspray" as Motormouth Mabel. Redd has been in multiple Broadway shows and on television.

Ed Romanuff played Wilbur Turnblad, another lead in the Broadway production. He has numerous Broadway, national tour, television and film credits.

'Loved every minute'The elite Professional Apprentice Program trains promising young performers for the professional world of theater. These children are given the opportunity to work with the best in the business, complete with all the rigor of Broadway standards.

These six students studied during the day with professional instructors and joined the cast for rehearsals in the evenings.

"I loved every minute of 'Hairspray," said Brooke Van Aulen, a junior at Warwick Valley High School. "I never worked harder on a show.... some days we had dance rehearsed for 12 hours. We did the actual Broadway choreography. It was the best experience of my life. The cast was awesome in every way."

'A privilege to work with them'

Kai Whitehead, another junior at Warwick Valley High School, was thrilled to be in the musical. "It was amazing to be in rehearsals with these Broadway performers. They were so passionate; it was a privilege working with them."

Anthony Savino, an 8th grader at Warwick Valley Middle School, was equally impressed. "I loved working with professionals and learning how a professional show is created and rehearsed. It was amazing."

The students also got the Broadway experience of signing "Hairspray" posters that audience members won and participating in backstage tours.

"Hairspray" drew hundreds at each performance and culminated in standing ovations and rave reviews online.

Essential informationThe Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Academy is national award-winning training academy offering a wide variety of programs and musicals for children ages 4-18, as well as professional musicals.

Joyce Presutti, the associate producer and founder of the Academy, has numerous credits as a director/choreographer, both nationally and internationally.

For more information, including the schedule of fall offerings, visit www.sugarloafpac.org.

This story and photograph were provided by Priscilla Tovey.