McCormick puts on heels and stars in Hairspray as Edna Turnblad
After finishing the fall boys’ swim season, senior Jarred McCormick transitioned to playing one of the most hilarious roles in the high school musical, Hairspray. He played Edna Turnblad who is the leading lady’s mother.
As on Broadway, in movies, and on television, the role of Tracy Turnblad’s mother has been traditionally played by a male. In the 1988 original movie, Edna Turnblad was played by Divine and in the 2007 remake, the role was played by John Travolta. In 2016, the NBC production of Hairspray Live! casted Harvey Fierstein for the role.
At Pattonville, Jarred McCormick starred in the role on stage from Feb. 14-17.
Who did you play in the musical?
“Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s mother.”
How excited were you to get the role of Edna ?
“Very excited. I was very, very excited.”
What made you first start theatre?
“My parents forced me into it in 7th grade and then I loved it.”
What other roles have you played in Pattonville theatre productions?
“I was Cogsworth in last year’s musical Beauty and the Beast, and played a British theatre director in Curtains the year before that. During my freshman year, I played the herald in Cinderella. I’m also involved in Chamber Orchestra, the Thespian Society, and the boys’ swimming and diving team.”
How did you prepare for your role?
“When I am at home, I will go over my lines and songs. I will practice the dances usually with the music, and sometimes without it.”
How did you feel about playing Edna?
“I loved it. It was so much fun. It was a blast.”
What did you like about playing Edna?
“Well, I can’t say I liked walking in heels, but I liked the new experience of it. I liked being able to go around being big, bold and beautiful.”
What was your favorite part of the musical?
“Just being on stage with all of my friends and having fun. I just enjoyed doing it.”
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My name is Aeeda Talukder. I am involved in STUCO, Orchestra, DECA, Key Club, Theatre and Thespian Society.
Mary Kay Campbell – Feb 19, 2019 at 8:28 pm
Hairspray was a blast! We have amazing talent at PHS and Mrs. Corvera brings out the best in our students! I am sure you will see many of these young ladies and gentlemen playing amazingly confident roles in the future!