Kyle Whitehead plays Edna Turnblad in the upcoming performance of "Hairspray" at the Estevan Comprehensive School. Because seating is numbered, those who are interested are encouraged to get their tickets from Pharmasave as soon as possible in order to get the best seats.
How'd you get involved with Hairspray?
Evanne (Wilhelm) called me up and asked me if I wanted to be a part of it, and I said "Sure."
Why Edna?
I like to take parts that are challenging. I don't think I've ever had an easy part. And playing a woman seems to be a fairly challenging part for a dude.
How have rehearsals been?
Pretty well. We started up our really big ones here on the 25th. Dancing, for a large person like myself is difficult, however we're getting through it.
What's the best part about your character?
I have to say the fact that this very large character is so introverted, and inside, and afraid of the world outside, and by the end of the show she's really come out of her shell.
I'm not as soft spoken as John (Travolta) did his character. I'm a little closer to the Broadway version, which is a little gruffer, a little manlier to make the character, a little funnier.
What is your favourite scene in the musical?
The one that I laugh at the most that I'm in is the scene between myself and my husband, onstage (Spencer Warriner). I think he's 17, so there's an age and a size difference there. It's basically talking about how, yeah, we may be getting older, we may not look the same anymore, but really, they still love each other. It's hard to get through that scene without laughing myself.
How have the directors been to work with? The rest of the cast?
The directors have been awesome. Evanne and Arlene have been great with the vocal rehearsals and Sharlene with her dancing direction is phenomenal.
The cast is all great. I haven't met anybody on that cast that I don't like. They're fun, they're energetic, they're great to work with.
How have ticket sales been going?
I honestly don't know. I don't think they've gone as well as we would have hoped. We'd like to see a lot more people come out, especially since this is a fundraiser for the flood victims. We'd like to see each show sold out.
When is the first show and how can people buy tickets?
The first show is August 18 and they can buy their tickets at Pharmasave. It's numbered seating so go in, pick your spot. The sooner you go in, the better your spot is going to be.
Will they be selling tickets at the door?
I'm going to assume they will if they haven't sold out.
What is your background in music/performing?
In music, I've got my degree in music education through the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota. I've been involved in music of sorts since second grade. I was in musicals all through high school and after. I've been in shows like Oliver, Beauty and the Beast and Titanic. This is the first time I wasn't type-cast as something murderous or furry.
What has been the most enjoyable part of playing Edna?
I think it's just the character itself. The lines, the things that she says, and the way she interacts with the other characters,
What is your "dream" part in any musical/play/whatever?
I would want to be Mark or Roger from Rent. I love that musical and the songs that they sing, and the fact that it's a rock opera, not your traditional, fifties style blah. And Hairspray isn't a fifties style blah either.
Any lesson you'll be taking away from Hairspray?
Women's clothing sucks. (Laughs) No, you just really need to push for your role. There's a lot of work that goes into all of it. You just have to find the best way for you to get it.
