january - WKTV Journal

We are all jumping for joy that theater has returned. “Hairspray” comes to DeVos Performance Hall this week. (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)

By John D. Gonzalez
WKTV Contributing Writer

UPDATE: The Tuesday show has been rescheduled for Monday, Jan. 17. Contact Broadway Grand Rapids for more information.

NOTE: We regret to report that the Tuesday, Jan. 11, performance of “Hairspray” at DeVos Performance Hall is postponed due to positive COVID cases within the company. At this time, all other performances, Wednesday — Sunday, will play as scheduled. We apologize for the disappointment and inconvenience this scheduling change has caused Tuesday night ticket holders. Please hold onto your tickets while we work to rescheduled the show. Details will be sent to affected ticket holders by email as soon as they’re available.

It will take 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad as she sets out to dance her way onto TV’s most popular show to bring Broadway theater back to Grand Rapids.

“After two long years, we are excited to finally be back in the theater and have the inspiring support of so many in the community,” said Mike Lloyd, interim executive director at Broadway Grand Rapids.

“We expect 15,000 people to attend ‘Hairspray’ this week. What a perfect show to open the season, heartwarming and fun.”

“Hairspray” opens Tuesday (Jan. 11) at DeVos Performance Hall for eight performances over six days to kick off the 2021-2022 season at Broadway Grand Rapids.

In addition, Broadway Grand Rapids has announced $30 Student/Educator Rush tickets for all performances of “Hairspray.” A valid school ID is required, and the limit is two tickets per student/educator. All tickets are subject to availability. Tickets may be purchased in-person one hour prior to the performance at the DeVos Performance Hall Box Office at 303 Monroe Ave NW.

Health and Safety protocols, including proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test as well as mandatory masks, will be in effect.

For more details on health and safety, visit BroadwayGrandRapids.com/health. For more information on all shows, visit BroadwayGrandRapids.com.

Set in 1960s Baltimore, “Hairspray” centers on Tracy Turnblad, a girl with big dreams – and even bigger hair – who wants to change the world.

The reviews have been stellar. The New York Times said: “‘Hairspray’ is fresh, winning, and deliriously tuneful!”

The “Hairspray” cast is led by Andrew Levitt aka Nina West (from “RuPaul’s Drag Race”) as Edna Turnblad, Niki Metcalf as Tracy Turnblad and Toneisha Harris (from NBC’s “The Voice”) as Motormouth Maybelle and features the beloved score of hit songs including “Welcome to the 60’s,” “Good Morning Baltimore” and “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” according to the company’s website.

This all-new touring production reunites Broadway’s award-winning creative team led by director Jack O’Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell.

Niki Metcalf is Tracy Turnblad in “Hairspray” at DeVos Performance Hall this week. (Photo by Jeremy Daniel)

“It’s a brand-new world we find ourselves in today, and ‘Hairspray’ is meeting this challenge full-on with even more joy and purpose. Our fable of ‘The Little Dancing Engine That Could’ is even more relevant than twenty years ago when it first burst onto the scene,” said O’Brien in a release.

“With the renewed, refreshed energy of the unforgettable Nina West as Edna and a whole new generation of wildly talented kids across the board, we cannot wait to raise the various roofs once more with dance, joy, music, and that glorious, famous, energy-packed score! Come feel great and grateful once more!” he added.

Choreographer Jerry Mitchell said: “‘Hairspray’ has always been about all of us dancing together! I am thrilled to welcome this new company of amazing #FULLOUT talents to lead the way as we dance across America with a message of inclusion and hope because ‘You really Can’t Stop the Beat!’”

By the American Cancer Society

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and serves as a reminder to all women to talk with their physician about the risks of developing cervical cancer, what causes it, and what they can do to prevent it.

According to the American Cancer Society, in 2016 an estimated 12,990 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 4,120 will die from the disease. With access to vaccination and regular screening, most of these cases could be prevented.

The death rate from cervical cancer, which was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women, has dropped by more than 50 percent over the past 30 years, thanks in large part to screening with the Pap test.

“The majority of cervical cancer cases in the U.S. could be prevented with HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccines, which have been recommended for a decade,” said Richard C. Wender, M.D., chief cancer control officer for the American Cancer Society. “In fact, about 90 percent of all cervical cancers could be prevented with screening and HPV vaccination.”

According to Dr. Wender, despite the enormous potential to reduce suffering and death from cervical cancer, millions of women who should be screened are not getting screened. The HPV vaccination rate among youth has been widely underutilized.

The American Cancer Society recommends the HPV vaccine to be given to girls ages 11 to 12. Cervical cancer screening with a Pap test should start at age 21. Women between the ages of 21 and 29 should have a Pap test every three years. Women aged 30 to 65 should have an HPV test with a Pap test every five years. Another option is to have just a Pap test every three years. Women over 65 years who have had regular screening with normal results should not be screened. Women who get the HPV vaccine still need to get regular screening for cervical cancer.

Uninsured women or those without a regular health care provider are significantly less likely to receive cervical cancer screening. Still, studies show about seven in 10 women who had not been screened in the previous five years had a regular doctor and health insurance.

“Cancer is a disease that can affect anyone, but it does not affect everyone equally,” said Dr. Wender. “Statistics show that some minority populations and people who lack health insurance are more likely to develop cancer – and die from it – than the general U.S. population. The opportunity to prevent death and suffering from cervical cancer is real. Screening can find changes in the cervix before they turn into cancer, and vaccination can prevent most cervical cancers. If we can apply what we know today, it is possible we may see a day when cervical cancer is virtually eliminated.”

For more information, call the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345 or visit cancer.org.