The drama and music departments have chosen the Broadway musical “Hairspray” as the production for this year’s fall musical. The show was chosen in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights movement because of its racial topics.

An informational meeting was held Wednesday after school by drama director Linda Uthoff.

Several dozen students from all classes attended the meeting in Rezac Auditorium, and student excitement appears to be high.

“A lot of people have wanted to do this [musical] for every year I’ve been at MHS,” senior Audrey Reever said.

“It’s a really cool play with lots of energy,” senior Katie Dixon said.

Auditions are from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 2 and 3. Auditioners should come prepared to be taught and to perform a small dance number as well as sing “My Country Tis of Thee” in various pitches. Those interested in a lead part will read lines with a partner.

Uthoff said the things she looks for most in an auditioner are “energy and willingness to try things and to be a team player and having a positive attitude towards new styles of dance and styles of singing and changing their appearance.”

The musical has minority characters and Uthoff hopes to stay true to the script. There are certain expectations for both chorus members and lead characters. A simple contract and sample scripts are available for pickup in Uthoff’s room, E130.

Every musical production also needs stage technicians.

“If you’re interested, just go for it. It’s a whole world of opportunity,” senior Alyssa Sheff said. Sheff has been a technician for the musical since her freshman year and is a light designer.

“We cannot survive without our technicians and designers,” Uthoff said.

She emphasized during the meeting that there are a variety of crews to be a part of and no prior skills are needed to be a technician. Stage technicians meet Wednesdays after rehearsals, Fridays after school, and Saturday mornings. Work done as a musical stage technician can be counted towards school service hours for the Distinguished Service program.

Another informational meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, in Rezac Auditorium. Uthoff said that parents are welcome to attend.