By Laura BennettWednesday 10 Aug 2022Hope AfternoonsEntertainmentReading Time: 2 minutes
Nominated for a record-breaking 11 Olivier Awards during its West End run and touring nationally in the US, the hit musical Hairspray is finally making its way to Sydney, with “Hopelander” Carmel Rodrigues cast in the lead role of Tracy Turnblad.
“It still feels pretty surreal,” Carmel told Hope 103.2.
“It’s my first on-stage professional show.”
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Set in Baltimore, Maryland in 1962, Hairspray tells the story of dance-loving teenager Tracy Turnblad whose ultimate dream is to dance on The Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star and she must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen.
Responding to an open casting call right up against the deadline, “I decided to give it a red-hot go,” Carmel said.
“I went in thinking I’d get a, ‘thank you, we’ll see you next time’, but they kept asking me back and now I’m here.”
Starring alongside Australian screen and theatre royalty including Shane Jacobson, Todd McKinney, Rob Mills and Rhonda Burchmore, Carmel will be taking her experiences as a local performer and singer teacher to a whole new level, delighting in the opportunity to learn from the greats.
“Hopelander” Carmel Rodrigues will be taking her experiences as a local performer and singer teacher to a whole new level, delighting in the opportunity to learn from the greats.
“I love them all so much,” Carmel said.
“Four of the biggest Australian artists in one room – it’s magic.”
In 2007 Hairspray was adapted into a film starring John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and Zac Efron, addressing themes of acceptance, racism and identity that still resonate today.
“Hairspray is a very big advocate for everyone to become a community,” Carmel said.
“One [theme] that really resonates with me, is that you can’t be afraid to be yourself.
“When you allow yourself to be yourself, everybody loves that version of you.
“Another [theme] is actually my favourite Bible passage: love one another as I have loved you.
“If we can love one another unconditionally it helps the world go around.”
“If we can love one another unconditionally it helps the world go around,” – Carmel Rodriguez, cast in the lead role of Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray
Hairspray will be at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from February 2023. To sign up for ticketing announcements head to the official show website.
Listen to Carmel Rodrigues’ full interview in the player above.