Big Hair - Big Dreams: Kendall Melton plays Tracy Turnblad in HAIRSPRAY

Photo by Jordan Spears

When a teenager with unstoppable spirit takes center stage, she shows the world that size doesn’t matter when you have courage and heart. Hairspray is a high-energy celebration of self-confidence and change.

Winner of three Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the toe-tapping, heartwarming, feel good musical HAIRSPRAY dances into the Jeffers Theatre September 5th and continues through September 20th.

Every era has its dreamers, and Tracy Turnblad is one who refuses to stay quiet. For Kendall Melton, stepping into Tracy’s shoes is more than a role — it’s a lifelong dream fulfilled.

Kendall Melton, a school counselor at Hickory Career Arts Magnet School (HCAM), is living out her childhood dream as Tracy Turnblad. For Kendall, Hairspray is the epitome of musical theatre — dazzling songs and dances underscored by a powerful message of acceptance.

“Tracy doesn’t let the status quo or opinions of others stop her,” Kendall says. “She loves herself exactly as she is and uses her ‘otherness’ to advocate for justice.”

Originally from Pittsboro and now a Hickory resident of three years, Kendall has been seen locally in Anastasia at HCT and Matilda and Sister Act at The Green Room. When she isn’t on stage, she’s likely reading or doting on her cat, Cannoli. Her castmates say she’s most likely to always have something useful in her bag — and this season, that includes Tracy’s boundless courage.

Hairspray runs September 5-20 in the Jeffers Theatre, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:30pm and Thursday, September 18 at 7:30pm. Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students and youth 18 & under. Visit hickorytheatre.org/hairspray or call 828-328-2283 to get yours today. Hairspray is produced in association with MoreRon Productions.

HIckory Community Theatre is a Funded Affiliate of Arts Culture Catawba and receives Sustaining Support from the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. HCT's 77th season is supported by the City of Hickory, A Cleaner World, Shurtape Technologies, Acuña & Acuña Dentistry and BelleAge.