May 17, 2018
K-State theatre professor helming Starlight Theatre production
Submitted by Jerry Jay Cranford
The 8,000-seat touring and concert venue, Starlight Theatre of Kansas City, will produce the musical "Hairspray" July 27-Aug. 2 under the direction and featuring the choreography of Jerry Jay Cranford, K-State theatre professor.
The theatre selects from a national pool of artists having recently employed directors, choreographers and actors from Broadway. The show will star Tony-nominee Brad Oscar as Edna alongside three K-State theatre alumni, Donovan Woods, Shon Ruffin and Darrington Clark.
Cranford was a performer with the Broadway and national tour of "Les Misérables" as well as the national tours of "Singing in the Rain," "Anything Goes" and "Evita." He has performed numerous times at Starlight Theatre alongside stars Roger Bart and Rachel York.
Cranford will have four other productions running this summer. In Kansas City, he choreographed "Sister Act" for the New Theatre running until July 8, will choreograph "Goosebumps The Musical" for the Coterie June 13-Aug. 6 and is directing and choreographing "Newsies" for the Coterie/Jewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City's production July 7-July 29. "Newsies" will star K-State students Kelly Urschel and Noah Lindquist. He is currently directing "Newsies" for the Rose Theatre in Omaha, May 31-June 17.
You can find ticketing and more information on the websites for any of the theatres.