Amidst a cloud of hairspray and the smell of makeup, the actors and actresses got ready to go on stage for the Manhattan High production of “Hairspray”.

The work before the show is just a hint at all the work that was put into getting this musical from auditions to their final standing ovation.

“I put a lot of work into the show,” the actress behind Tracy Turnblad, senior Charlotte Benjamin, said. “Rehearsals were right after school until 5 to 6. Leads, especially me, were here until 6. And then we were here from 4 to 10 for dress rehearsals”

While the actors were learning their lines, blocking and choreography, the affectionately termed “techies” were preparing all the other aspects of the production.

“There’s lots of areas of tech, tech is literally everything except the acting,” stage manager junior Emma Galitzer said. “You have lights, sounds, makeup, hair, costume, and then you have the stage managers and backstage crew. We make sure everything runs smoothly. It takes lots of responsibility. If we mess up, it will be noticeable.”

When the quality of the production is on the line, the people behind the musical learn the benefits of working together.

“Teamwork is a big part of the production. We have to be on time with our music or else the actors get messed up,” junior Evan Heger said.

But for many participants, the work was well worth the result of the final performances, especially Benjamin who has a special passion for the production.

“I’m really invested in this show because I’ve wanted to be Tracy for a very long time,” Benjamin said. “I relate to her a lot because obviously she’s bigger and she struggles. I like how happy everything is and it’s all happy ending and how everyone gets along in the end. I love how everyone can smile in the end.”