For the next few weeks, as we prepare HAIRPSRAY for our May 23 opening night, our SBMT blog will introduce members of the cast, staff, or crew. Up first: Kevin Cornelius, playing Edna Turnblad, and Rachelle Abbey, playing Penny Pingleton. (Buy Hairspray tickets at https://southbaymt.com/shows/hairspray.html!)
Kevin Cornelius: Edna Turnblad
Kevin Cornelius tries on one of Edna’s housedresses
Why are you excited about being in Hairspray?
I’m excited to have the chance to play such a wonderful role, Edna Turnblad, in a show that I love. I’ve been a fan of Hairspray since the original John Waters film, and when it was adapted into a musical, I fell in love all over again. I think “Welcome to the 60’s” is one of my all-time favorite musical theatre moments. I feel so happy to have such a wonderful opportunity to play a dream role in a production with a fantastic group of people.
What’s the most important thing you think audiences should know about this show?
Come ready to join the party and have a fabulous time!
Why do you perform in community theater?
I’m impressed by all of the amazingly talented people who participate in South Bay Musical Theatre. I enjoy getting the chance to act, sing, and dance in high-quality productions of classic and new musicals. I love our audiences, and I enjoy the connection we all share at the Saratoga Civic Theatre. There is nothing like live theatre, and it’s a privilege to be a part of it.
Welcome to the 60s! What says “1962” most to you?
The music and dancing. “Hairspray” has such a delightful score, and the dances in this show will take you back in time and lift your spirits to the stars.
SBMT audiences may remember Kevin as Albin in “La Cage aux Folles,” Gus in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” Eddie in “Funny Girl,” Father in “Ragtime,” and Cornelius Hackl in “Hello, Dolly!” He directed our “Kiss Me, Kate,” “42nd Street,” and “The Will Rogers Follies,” and has served on our Board of Directors for over eight years. A San Jose native, Kevin has a B.A. in Theatre Arts from San Jose State University. For the last fourteen years, Kevin has worked as the Director of Roberta Jones Junior Theatre in Santa Clara.
Rachelle Abbey: Penny Pingleton
Rachelle Abbey
Why are you excited about being in Hairspray?
I am excited about being in Hairspray because it is one of my favorite musicals! I have wanted to be in this show since I first saw it 10 years ago. The music is so much fun you can’t help but dance and sing along.
What’s the most important thing you think audiences should know about this show?
The most important thing audiences should know about Hairspray is that even though it is a super fun dance and high-energy show, the more subtle and poignant plot points are really important and make us appreciate the past and how far we have come.
Why do you perform in community theater?
Because it allows me to meet the most amazing people and it fulfills my passion to be on stage.
Welcome to the 60s! What says “1962” most to you?
The thing that says “1962” most to me is the hairstyles since they are so iconic.
Rachelle Abbey is thrilled to be making her debut at SBMT in a dream role! Favorite roles include “Maisie” in The Boyfriend (WVLO), “Val” in A Chorus Line (SCP), “Angel City 4” in City of Angels (SVCT) and “Audrey” in Little Shop of Horrors (SCP). When not on stage she enjoys forms of social dancing such as lindy hop and ballroom as well as tennis, choir and soaking up the sun. She currently works in the Wyss-Coray lab at Stanford investigating rejuvenation in the brain.
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