High school thespians get visit from 'Hairspray' composer

Visiting high school drama students had reasons to be excited over the weekend.

Watching them rehearse for their production of "Hairspray" was the man behind the music.

Marc Shaiman, the composer of "Hairspray," visited the group of students who were at the University of Northern Colorado rehearsing for their own production of the famous Broadway play and Hollywood film.

Shaiman spent part of Saturday afternoon telling stories of how he broke into the Broadway business. With eyes glazed fixed on him, he told students about meeting Bette Midler, his time on "Saturday Night Live" and writing scores for films.

The production includes 48 high school students and is being led by UNC director Vance Pulkerson. The students will rehearse for three weeks between now and May and then will present four preview shows in Greeley in June before premiering the show at the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Neb.

Jacob Patter, a student from Philadelphia, said meeting Shaiman was a dream come true.

"I'm a real fan," Patter said. "Working with him is pure bliss. It's more than I can ask for."

Shaiman composed the music for both the movie and Broadway versions of "Hairspray."

In addition to time on Broadway, Shaiman wrote the scores to a number of movies, including "The Bucket List," "How Harry Met Sally," "South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut" and "The Addams Family."

Hearing his stories of getting into the business was inspiration for Alexandria Payne, a student from Atlanta.

"It was a great experience, listening to his stories," Alexandria said.

Shaiman encouraged the future thespians to take chances in their theatrical careers.

"My time with 'Hairspray,' including this weekend, as been bliss," he said. "With so much heartbreak ahead, you never know. You have to do everything that comes your way, because you never, never know."

Hairspray Performances

High school students from across the nation will put on the first amateur production of Hairspray at the University of Northern Colorado.

The four preview shows are scheduled for June 19 through June 21 in Greeley.