Hope, happiness, and a whole lot of hair arrive with Umbrella’s ‘Hairspray’

“Hairspray” rounds out this season of shows at The Umbrella Arts Center, with a message its director hopes will resonate now as much as ever.

The production runs April 24 to May 17, bringing to Acton audiences what director Najee Brown calls a story of how “one person [can] make change.”

“I want this show to be a symbol of the joy that’s possible in the world,” Brown said in a statement. “Everyone needs hope right now. … I want audiences to leave feeling that sense of possibility and hope.”

Set in 1962 Baltimore, “Hairspray” follows Tracy Turnblad, a teenager who dreams of dancing on “The Corny Collins Show” and ultimately uses her growing platform to push for racial integration.

Brian Boruta, director of performing arts at the Umbrella, said it’s the perfect show to wrap up the season because of its “joyful note.”

“It really is sort of an act of radical joy, as a show, choosing to be joyful, choosing to believe, choosing to hope,” he said.

Anxious to fabulous

For Acton actor Nick Miller, the production offers a chance to step into multiple roles.

“I think the technical name for my track is ‘male authority figure,’” Miller said. “Any time there’s an adult, white guy in it, I basically get plugged in to play it.”

That includes a range of characters, from the anxious TV producer Mr. Spritzer to the flamboyant Mr. Pinky, along with a strict principal and a jail guard.

“It’s super-fun, because I get to play four very different comedic parts that can be played very, very differently,” Miller said. “It’s a fun little track to play.”

To distinguish between them, Miller leans on “physicality” and “vocalization.”

Each role has its own distinct presence. As Spritzer, Miller channels nervous energy: “Some hand-wringing and some deep breaths — some sweaty palm energy.” 

As Mr. Pinky, the tone shifts entirely. “He’s just fabulous,” Miller said, describing “arms widespread” and “a luscious kind of buttery tone” to the voice.

The show features a cast of nearly two dozen performers and live music from a 10-piece band, with staging inspired by the world of a 1960s television dance show.

A story that resonates

Though new to “Hairspray” before rehearsals began, Miller said he has quickly come to appreciate both the show’s energy and its message.

“There’s so much dancing and some really, super-fun songs,” he said. “That whole energy and vibe of the cast coming together is super-special and fun.”

Boruta said the show will bring “a little bit of hopefulness in a world that sometimes can feel really not so hopeful.”

Miller said part of that is how the show’s message of inclusion resonates with audiences today.

“Our closing joyous number, ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat,’ which is just sort of this feeling of forward progress, and there being a place for everybody,” he said. “That’s a relevant message for our time as well.”

But ultimately, Boruta said he’d love it if showgoers come away with a little extra joy. “Hopefully we send you away humming those tunes and tapping your feet and really just taking that hopeful energy with you,” he said. 

Miller said he’s already found himself there. 

“I find myself having the soundtrack stuck in my head during the day — and I’m not complaining.”

For information on performance dates and times, tickets, KidCare performances, dinner-and-a-show nights, and post-show talkbacks, visit theumbrellaarts.org.