HOUSTON – This week as the hit Broadway musical ‘Hairspray’ is on stage in Houston, some native Texans will be under the bright lights. Andrew Scoggin, who grew up in Kingwood and Abigail Bensman, who was raised near Austin, told Houston Life’s Derrick Shore how nice it was to be back in the Lone Star state for a minute.
For each of them, being part of the ‘Hairspray’ cast, has been a dream.
“I’ve worked on a lot of productions in my life but the energy at the end of this show every night -- it’s like it’s brand new all over again every single day because people just go bananas for it and I love it,” said Scoggin, who plays the role of Corny Collins.
For Bensman, who is enjoying her first role as part of a national tour, landing the role of Brenda came as a surprise. One year ago when ‘Hairspray’ was touring through Austin, Abigail already had tickets to see the show when she got a phone call inviting her to fly to New York to audition for the national tour.
“I was kind of going in with the mindset that I was just going to get great experience in New York auditioning and that was kind of my goal, that was what I was going for, so when I did book the show it came as a very pleasant surprise,” said Bensman.
‘Hairspray’ is set in the 1960s and follows a 16 year old with big dreams and big hair. She has loads of talent and has a thing or two to teach the world about loving other people, even those who are perceived to be different.
“I think ‘Hairspray’ is all about togetherness and acceptance and inclusion. I really think that’s the biggest message people can take away,” said Bensman.
‘Hairspray’ is now playing at Hobby Center through June 9th.