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Lone Tree Voice 19
July 11, 2013
‘Hairspray’ a dream show for local actress Evergreen company stages colorful play By Sonya Ellingboe
sellingboe@ourcoloradonews.com Twenty-year-old Bailey Walton plays Tracy Turnblad in what she describes as her dream show, ”Hairspray,” which runs from July 12 to Aug. 4 at the Evergreen Players’ Center/Stage. She plays the pleasingly plump Baltimore teen who rushes home after school daily to watch the Corny Collins dance show on television, wishing she could be on it. She says she worked in “Magic Moments” recently with percussionist Tad Worley, who told her about Evergreen’s auditions for “Hairspray.” She landed the part and rehearsals started May 19. The year is 1962. Tracy lives with her
large, shy mother and supportive father in a small apartment where her mother takes in ironing. When she does get a place on the show, she determines to integrate it, replacing the once a month “Negro Night.” Complications arise and Tracy becomes a leader, dethroning the reigning teen queen and capturing the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin — as well as being an accomplished dancer. Walton The colorful show has a good story line and many big production numbers. It opened on Broadway in August 2002 and played until January 2009, plus expanding to national tours and a London run. It’s based on the film written and directed by John Waters. Brenda Billings is director of “Hairspray” and Alane Worley, who worked at Country
Dinner Playhouse for many years, is choreographer. The company first rehearsed dance numbers at ATA, the local dance studio Worley and Paul Dwyer operate. Bailey and her brother and father have performed often over the years at Littleton’s Town Hall Arts Center. Her first show was “Annie” in 2004. She attended Cherry Creek High School for a year then completed an online high school course because she was working at the Arvada Center. She became a nanny for Elizabeth and Tim Welch’s daughter and lived in New York with them for six months. (Town Hall fans will remember the couple with operatic voices. Elizabeth landed a job with the touring company of “Phantom of the Opera” and is now working in the show New York, where Tim has opened a voice studio.) Walton teaches at a child development center during the day and has been teach-
IF YOU GO “Hairspray” plays July 12 to Aug. 14 at Evergreen Players’ Center/Stage, 27608 Fireweed Drive, Evergreen. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (no show July 13); 2 p.m. Sundays; extra show at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, July 14. Tickets: $15 to $25, 303-674-4934, evergreenplayers.org. ing dance and acting for Christian Youth Theater, which she plans to resume. In the fall, she will begin online classes at CU Denver in English, writing and child development, while continuing to teach. And, of course, she’ll watch the audition notices in case another dream opportunity comes along. Complicated theater schedules are a given in her family’s Centennial home. She mentioned that her dad will perform in Parker’s upcoming summer production of “Oklahoma” and brother Burke is cast in Boulder Dinner Theatre’s “The Full Monty.”
‘Nest’ finds its way to new home in Greenwood Village After a number of months installed in a busy downtown Denver location, sculptor Erick Johnson’s “The Nest” has been moved next to a peaceful pond at Westlands Park, 5701 S. Quebec St. in Greenwood Village. The installation is a collaboration of the Museum Outdoor Arts, Greenwood Village Arts and Humanities Council and Demiurge Design. Johnson said: “Throughout our natural world and among many different species of birds, fish, insects and mammals, a nest is an amazing, instinctively created environment for raising a family. It not only serves as a shield from the elements, but as a fortress against other threatening natural predators.”
Wildlife Experience is topic
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“The Wildlife Experience: More than a Museum” is director Gary Debus’ topic on July 15 when he speaks to the Highlands Ranch Historical Society at 7 p.m. at South-
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more than 400 bands are scheduled to perform in a number of venues, starting at 8 pm. each night. A bracelet, good for all four days at $35, is available at the box office, near the Goodwill Mainstage at First Avenue and Broadway. Information and schedule: theums.com/lineup. NPR radio Open Air, 1340 AM, will broadcast from the UMS.
The buzz about bees ridge Recreation Center, 4800 McArthur Ranch Road, Highlands Ranch. In addition, club members can tour the museum on July 19 at 11 a.m. at a group rate of $9. hrhistoricalsociety@comcast.net.
Hundreds of bands scheduled
The annual Underground Music Showcase is scheduled in the South Broadway Arts District July 19-22. We are told that
“Meet the Beekeeper” at Hudson Gardens from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. July 20. Watch the beekeepers working at the apiary and learn about management techniques and the process of starting a hive if interested. Free and open to the public.
Dr. Colorado’s in town
“Coloroddities” is the title of Dr. Tom Noel’s program at 7 p.m. July 16 at Bemis Library, 6014 S. Datura St., Littleton. The author and historian will give a slide presenta-
tion on strange things about our state. Free. 303-795-3961.
Sazon gets jazzy
Local jazz ensemble Sazon will perform at its first Sunday Jazz Concert from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 14 at Garcia’s Mexican Restaurant, 5050 S. Syracuse St. in DTC. Ensemble members are Bobby Trujillo, Joe Lopez, Norma Tell and guest Ron Jolly. Tickets: $15 advance; $18 door, BrownPaperTickets. com, 1-800-838-3006.
Littleton Jazz Festival
Sazon will also play at the Littleton Jazz Festival on Aug. 16 at Town Hall Arts Center, 2450 W. Main Street in Downtown Littleton. Also on the program: Highlands Ranchbased After Midnight with Benny Goodman arrangements and pianist Neil Bridge. Tickets: $25, on sale July 15 at townhallartscenter.com, 303-794-2787 ext 5.
13th Annual Taste of
Western Welcome Week and Silent Auction
THURSDAY AUGUST 15TH 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Littleton Center Courtyard 2255 W. Berry Avenue
T HA n K YoU T o oU R Sp o n S o R S
Featuring “tastes” of local restaurants and an array of wines, beers and non-alcoholic beverages. Receive personal Western Welcome Week mementos, and bid on a collection of fabulous items in the Silent Auction.
Tickets
$20 each in advance, $25 each at the event Designated Driver Ticket $10 at the event Must be 21+ years of age TICK ET S AVAI L ABLE AT Albertson’s LLC Liquors 7450 S. University Blvd., Centennial 303-773-9696 Western Welcome Week Office 5890 South Bemis Street 303-794-4870 Western Welcome is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity