The Meridian Little Theatre will hold auditions for the award winning musical “Hairspray” Monday, March 7 and Tuesday, March 8 at 7 p.m. at the Highway 39 Playhouse.

    “A vast variety of characters are needed,” said Jimmy Pigford, director.

    The musical will be staged May 7-18.

    Winner of eight Tony Awards, “Hairspray” has inspired two motion picture versions (1988 and 2007) and is the most popular musical in America, taking over records set previously by “Grease” and “Sound of Music.”

    It’s 1962, and pleasantly plump Baltimore teen Tracy Turnblad has only one desire — to dance on the popular Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star, but she must use her newfound power to vanquish the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a TV network — all without denting her ‘do!

    Some of the many characters are:

    Tracy Turnblad — An optimistic, overweight teenage girl who loves to dance. Tracy’s main purpose in life is to dance and sing on the Corny Collins afternoon TV show. Unfortunately she is not one of the “in” teens in Baltimore, but things change rapidly. She sings six songs.

    Edna Turnblad — Tracy’s mother and agent, an agoraphobe ashamed of her obesity. Casting as Edna is traditionally a man in drag who portrays the character. John Travolta played the part in the 2007 movie version. This character sings four songs.

    Velma Von Tussle — The story’s antagonist. She is manager of station WYZT and a former beauty queen primarily interested in keeping her daughter Amber in the spotlight. She sings three songs.

    Wilbur Turnblad — Tracy’s father. He is the easy going proprietor of the “Hardy-Har Hut” joke shop below the Turnblad family’s loft apartment. He sings two songs.

    Penny Pingleton — Tracy’s best friend. She is a sheltered girl who falls in love with Seaweed, despite the efforts of her stern mother, Prudy.

    Corny Collins — The good looking bubbly host of “The Corny Collins Show.” Corny’s politically progressive attitudes lead him to fight his show’s imposed segregation. He sings three songs.

    “Motormouth” Maybelle — A Baltimore Rhythm and Blues radio jockey, Maybelle also runs a record shop on North Avenue. She sings two songs.

    Amber Von Tussle — Velma’s attractive bratty daughter and the lead female dancer on “The Corny Collins Show.” Amber becomes Tracy’s enemy when Tracy threatens both Amber’s chance to win the “Miss Teenage Hairspray” crown and Amber’s relationship with her boyfriend, Link. She sings two songs.

    Link Larkin — Amber’s handsome boyfriend and the lead male dancer on “The Corny Collins Show.” Link is a singer who gradually becomes more attached to Tracy. He sings three songs.

    Seaweed J. Stubbs — Maybelle’s son, and a skilled dancer who teaches Tracy some dance moves and falls in love with her friend, Penny. He sings two songs.

    Prudy Pingleton — Penny’s mother whose strict parenting keeps Penny from experiencing social life. She ties up Penny when she lets Tracy inside their house.

    Other roles include adult parts and a chorus of teenagers ages 15 and older. The casting committee suggests those auditioning for singing roles sing a song from the musical. Scores will be available. Those wishing to sing their own selection should furnish sheet music, no tape recordings.

    Carol Merrill is the choreographer for this production. David Benson is the vocal coach. Carey Smith directs the orchestra.

    The MLT box office is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Call (601) 482-6371 or visit meridianlittletheatre.com.