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Greensboro, N.C., May 20, 2010 — Just two weeks ago, the staff and Board of the Community Theatre of Greensboro (CTG) thought they had put the finishing touches on the organization’s 61st season. But then lightening struck in the form of an e-mail announcing that the rights were available for Hairspray, the smash Broadway musical that won eight Tony Awards.

“We’ve been trying for years to secure the rights to Hairspray,” explains CTG Executive Director Mitchel Sommers. “And for years we’ve been turned down. So when we found out that the rights were finally available, we jumped on it immediately! It’s a perfect fit with the rest of our 2010-2011 season.”

Hairspray, with its underlying theme of the fight against racial intolerance—set to a rollicking, 1960’s dance-music score—is a natural for CTG, an organization committed to diversity and non-traditional casting. It rounds out a season in which every production features main characters searching for something important:

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (running September 24 - October 3, 2010): Six quirky middle-school students—played by adults—in the throes of puberty vie to win the ultimate spelling bee and prove—to themselves and others—that they are winners.

The Wizard of Oz (running November 12 – 21, 2010): In CTG’s 16th annual production, Dorothy is still trying to find her way home, as her friends search for what they’re missing: brains, heart, and courage.

Periphery (running February 18 – 27, 2011): In honor of the first anniversary of the opening of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum, CTG is reviving its original play about regular Greensboro residents dealing with and talking about the social upheavals caused by the Woolworth’s Sit-Ins of 1960.

Hairspray – The Broadway Musical (running April 7 - 17, 2011): In 1962, Tracy Turnblad, a plump Baltimore teen, realizes her dream when she is cast as a dancer on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV phenomenon. Immediately, Tracy becomes a celebrity and tries capitalizing on her new status to integrate the show.

13 – The Musical (running from May 13 - 15, 2011): Twelve-year-old Evan Goldman is dealing with his parents’ divorce, moving to Appleton, Indiana, from New York City, and preparing for his Bar Mitzvah—all at the same time. Evan just wants is to stop feeling like an outcast and be accepted by the cool kids; naturally, his journey is filled with bumps and bruises.

CTG’s 2010-2011 Season Memberships are now available. Season Members may purchase either a three-production package (Spelling Bee, Periphery, and Hairspray) or a five-production package (Spelling Bee, Wizard, Periphery, Hairspray, and 13). For more information, call (336) 333-7470, x206, or visit www.ctgso.org.

About the Community Theatre of Greensboro (www.ctgso.org)

Founded in 1949, the Community Theatre of Greensboro is the oldest arts organization in Guilford County. In these uncertain economic times—when other arts groups are struggling across the country—CTG is growing stronger by reaching out to a wider segment of our community and focusing on our mission: Bringing our diverse community together to learn about, experience, and celebrate the joys of theatre. Our goal is to help everyone in our community share in the excitement of participating in theatre—as actors, backstage crew, or audience members. Because of our commitment to diversity, non-traditional casting is a priority for us.