Whittier Native Jonathan Tupanjanin Will Appear on the Whittier College Stage

WHITTER, CA (02/27/2014)(readMedia)--  Whittier native Jonathan Tupanjanin will play the role of Edna Turnblad in the upcoming Whittier College production of Hairspray the Musical.

Hairspray the Musical is a comedic production that highlights major social issues such as racial segregation and body image. Set in 1962 Baltimore, a young and plump Tracy Turnblad lands a spot on the Corny Collins Show and becomes a dancing sensation overnight. After she learns of the injustice of "Negro Day" allowing the black dancers one day of the month to dance, Tracy does everything in her power to integrate the show.

This production is directed and choreographed by Jennifer S. Holmes, Director of Center for Collaboration with the Arts at Whittier College. Each year the theatre department produces up to four faculty-directed productions. These plays afford students the opportunity to engage in theatre as a collaborative process.

Hairspray the Musical will be coming to the Whittier College stage March 5-8 at 8 p.m. and March 9 at 2 p.m. in the Robinson Theatre of the Ruth B. Shannon Center of the Performing Arts, 6760 Painter Ave., Whittier, CA 90608. General Admission $15; Students/Seniors $9. For additional information, directions, or to purchase tickets, call (562) 907-4203 or visit www.shannoncenter.org. 

Cast List

Wilbur Turnblad, Mr. Pinky– ANDREW ZUBIATE

Seaweeed J. Stubbs- CHRISTIAN MOHN

Lil' Inez- CHRISTINA MECKLENBURG

Harriet F. Spritzer- IRENE KEOGH

Motormouth Maybelle– JAIMIS ULRICH

Edna Turnblad- JONATHAN TUPANJANIN

Amber Von Tussle- LAUREN VAU

Velma Von Tussle- MEAGAN CALDWELL

Prudy Pingleton- MELANIE HOGLUND

Link Larkin- PARKER REIS

Corny Collins- SEAN KENNY

Tracy Turnblad- SHUMANI MASSA

Penny Pingleton- STELLA GORDON

Founded by Quakers in 1887, Whittier College is an independent, four-year college offering a traditional liberal arts program integrated with both professional and pre-professional courses of study. With an emphasis on diversity, community, and curricular innovation, the College's primary mission is to endow students with the education, skills, and values appropriate for global leadership and service. Whittier College is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).