Presented by Celebrity Attractions, HAIRSPRAY – Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical – comes to Central Arkansas next month (March 4 – 6).
Join the FUN and secure tickets today. Renée Reid – Pearl, Dynamite – shares insight and expertise.
What was your path to becoming a professional actor?
- I started singing and dancing at church when I was four years old.
- At seven years old, I started doing musical theater workshops during the summer.
- I went to a performing arts junior high school and high school to continue my training.
- I started working professionally straight out of high school.
What was the audition process like for this show?
- In 2020 in New York City, there was an open casting call. I stood in line and waited my turn. A few days later, there was a dance callback immediately followed by a singing callback. Then COVID hit. Then there were a number of virtual callbacks. I didn’t get an offer until a year and two months after the open call.
What’s your favorite part about touring the country with HAIRSPRAY?
- Being in HAIRSPRAY is so much fun. It’s bright, bubbly and real at the same time.
- I love getting to know different cities, doing shows for different audiences and meeting new people along the way.
What has it been like to return to the stage after a nearly two-year break?
- I’ve had the privilege of working with theaters at the helm of the process of learning how to co-exist with COVID. I was rehearsing in face masks, doing shows in face shields and testing twice a week.
- However there’s nothing like touring the country with a Broadway company. I am so honored, delighted, and grateful to be among those chosen for this beautiful journey.
What do you enjoy most about performing in this show every night?
- My favorite part is connecting with the audience every night. Feeling their collective heartbeat, hearing their reactions, seeing their joy at the end of the show. It’s an honor to be able to emotionally move and connect with an audience every night.
- And who could forget those gorgeous costumes!
What has the audience reaction been to HAIRSPRAY?
- The audience leaves the show smiling from ear-to-ear and hopeful for an inclusive future! They’re singing and dancing along during the bows.
Favorite number in the show and why?
- My favorite number is Run and Tell That!
- It’s the first time the audience gets to see the community of the black cast on stage. The love, camaraderie and support we have is one of the best feelings one can have on stage.
What item can’t you live without while on tour?
- Makeup wipes – we wear so much makeup every day. Before I fall asleep at night, I reach over to the night table and grab a makeup wipe.
If you weren’t an actor, what profession would you pursue?
- I’d be a recording artist! I love to write and record songs and I film music videos when I’m not doing theater. Hopefully one day I can focus more on making music. Check out my music video on YouTube (Stronger MV – Renée Reid).
My dream role?
Well I can’t pick just one!
- Tina in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
- Josephine in Ain’t Too Proud
- Delores in Sister Act
- Felicia in Memphis
- Cassie in A Chorus Line
Photography Credits
The company of Hairspray takes their opening night curtain call. Photo: Jeremy Daniel.
“You Can’t Stop The Beat” – The Company of Hairspray. Photo: Jeremy Daniel.
“Welcome to the 60s” – (from L) Niki Metcalf as “Tracy Turnblad,” Andrew Levitt (aka Nina West) as “Edna Turnblad” and company in Hairspray. Photo: Jeremy Daniel.
“Run and Tell That” – Brandon G. Stalling as “Seaweed J. Stubbs” and the company of Hairspray. Photo: Jeremy Daniel.
For more information – learn more at Celebrity Attractions.
Follow Renée Reid IG at @renee.reid
