Pirrie stars as musical’s leading man in Hairspray

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After the conclusion of the football season in the fall, junior Michael Pirrie scored the iconic role of Link Larkin in this year’s high school musical production of “Hairspray.”

This year’s show will be performed on Feb. 14-17 in the auditorium.

When the fall season ends, Pirrie transitions from the field to the stage. You might remember him from last year’s musical, “Beauty and the Beast,” in which he played Belle’s father, Maurice.

He began doing theatre because of his older sister.

“When I was in the fourth grade, my sister asked me if I wanted to be part of this musical and I said, ‘Sure.’ She got me a part and I was in a high school production and I have loved it ever since.”

He was driven to audition for the role in this musical by family members who he considers role models.

“I feel like I kind of owed my family and friends one more year of theatre for myself,” he said. “Also, giving the production one more chance.”

He is looking forward to a certain part of the performance.

“The dancing,” Pirrie said. “I love the dancing. It’s my favorite part.”

He said the show “is crazy, fun, cool, hip and old all at the same time,” and playing the role of Link Larkin, a teenage heartthrob and one of The Corny Collins Show Council Members who unexpectedly falls in love with Tracy Turnblad, is something that Pirrie considers a real honor.

“I feel like he kind of matches much of myself,” he said. “Also, I really like that character.”

In the 2007 movie of the same show title, Link Larkin was played by Zac Efron.

While football might help his footwork, being involved in choir has helped him prepare for the vocals for the show.

“I have been in choir my whole life,” Pirrie said. “It helps me to read the music better and be more comfortable with musical numbers.”

Tickets will be available soon for purchase for the shows that run from Feb. 14-17, 2019.