JCC Hits New Heights With HAIRSPRAY

Audiences were all smiles and applause as the incredibly talented cast members from the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center’s Summer Stock presented Hairspray on July 31 and Aug. 1.

The East Hills stage was illuminated as 5- through 18-year-olds sang and danced to upbeat tunes from the Broadway hit musical.

The production was truly an ensemble effort. The JCC’s Theatre Arts Director Susan Kalman made sure even the youngest performers had a few minutes in the spotlight.

Audiences melted each time lilliputian Luna Romero, who just celebrated her fifth birthday, took the stage. Her adorable older sister Margit Tess Romero, who played Gretl von Trapp in last summer’s production of The Sound of Music, also had theatergoers mesmerized.

The oldest cast member was recent Wheatley grad Andrew McCluskey, who played heartthrob Link Larkin. The unflappable Tracy Turnblad was brought to life by the clear, warm-voiced, and (to her mom) surprisingly mature 13-year-old Hallie ArbitalJacoby, who will be entering Wheatley in the fall. Also from Wheatley were Tracy’s mom-turned-agent Edna Turnblad, portrayed by Juliana Luber; nemesis Amber von Tussle, played by Alana Osroff; and stage mom Aly Brier, who as Velma von Tussle sang a powerful “Miss Baltimore Crabs.”

The cast included six sets of siblings. Roslyn twins Ben and Jacqueline Steinberg, portrayed Seaweed and Motormouth Maybelle, respectively. Wheatley incoming 12th-grader

Thomas Stroud, who played Corny Collins, concluded Thursday’s performance with a heartfelt farewell speech for his eleventh and final show at the JCC. Sister Jaclyn Stroud was particularly amusing in her portrayal of Penny Lou Pingleton.

Roslynite Ariana Barlas played a soulful Little Willow and sister Alessandra Barlas portrayed Council Member Doreen.

Since the end of June, cast members have spent two hours each Monday through Thursday evening preparing for the performances. “It’s amazing what these talented kids accomplished in just five-and-a-half weeks,” marveled director Kalman, along with co-director and choreographer Theresa Diaz-DiLallo and music director Kerry Prep.

“Our theatre programs are the place for kids to develop their talent and gain confidence while having the time of their life as they bond with peers who share their passion,” said Kalman.

The JCC puts on five shows a year, plus offers a Broadway summer camp, acting classes, cabaret workshops and private coaching for aspiring thespians—from beginners to advanced, as well as for children with special needs. For more information about the JCC Theatre Arts programs, visit www.sjjcc.org/theatre/ or contact Susan Kalman at skalman@sjjcc.org or 516-484-1545, ext. 110.