Santa Clara University Theater Grad Tackles Cancer, 'Hairspray'

SANTA CLARA, CA — Don't let the fun-and-frolic act fool you in the Bay Area Musicals' upcoming production of "Hairspray" starting July 6 at San Francisco's Victoria Theatre.

This popular story adapted into a Broadway musical in 2002 after it was made into a movie comes with important messages and uplifting outlook on life. None is as deep and built more character than the personal one Santa Clara University graduate Melissa Momboisse courageously brought to her role playing Penny Pingleton, the shy best friend of lead dance queen Tracy Turnblad set in the racially-charged 1960s in an American Bandstand-like scenario.

Momboisse, an Oakland native who lives in Pleasanton, is three years into beating stage IV Hodgkins' Lymphoma she was diagnosed with four years ago. Her story as an undaunted performer and cancer survivor is more inspirational than the production she plays in.

Crowds attending San Francisco's Gay Pride festivities this weekend can catch a glimpse.

"The cancer got me in touch with my emotions a lot more. It really put things into perspective," Momboisse told Patch. "The cancer changed me totally as a person. It made me a better person."

The keen attention to life's precious moments has made an impact on her performances, among other aspects of her life.

The actor, who's been in theater for 18 years and also works as a fitness instructor at Pure Barre in Walnut Creek, admits she's not "as fearful to go after what she wants." Staring death in the face can do that to a person.

"Now I just let it rip," she said.

After all: "We can't be lazy when things get crazy," Momboisse dictated the famous "Hairspray" line that appears as timely as today's conversations in a racially-divided culture.

"It's a bummer how relevant this is," she said.

Momboisse, 30, comes across with a wisdom way beyond her years and has come a long way from her early works. Her favorite was playing Fanny Brice in "Funny Girl." Her modesty and humility abounds.

"We all can't be Barbara Streisand," she quipped.

"HAIRSPRAY " is the winner of eight Tony Awards including “Best Musical," based on the 1988 John Waters film. The Bay Area production runs through Aug. 11 at 2961 16th St. in San Francisco. Tickets range from $35 to $65 and can be purchased online at www.bamsf.org/hairspray. Opening Night Fundraiser Tickets (available only for the July 6 performance at 8 p.m.) range from $50 to $100 and includes dessert and a champagne toast with the cast. They can also be purchased online at www.bamsf.org/hairspray.

Bay Area Musicals’ production of "Hairspray" will be directed and choreographed by Matthew McCoy, with music direction by Jon Gallo.

"I have been wanting to stage 'Hairspray' since I first saw the show on Broadway," McCoy said. "I had never before seen a musical packed with so much heart, joy, laughter, exciting choreography and electrifying music. It signified a bright new era for the book musical comedy, and it was clear that the entire audience was having a ball. Now, almost 20 years later, the show has become a beloved classic."

McCoy points out how prejudice and intolerance are thrust to the front and center in our politics of the day, making the message of the show more timely than ever "that all of us can walk together, hand in hand, no matter our size or the color of our skin."

The big wigs, bright lights and flashy dances will all be front and center in our production, with heart —and a few tears — sprinkled throughout as we look at where we've been, how far we've come and how far we still must go, he cited.

It's 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy, has only one desire – to dance on the popular "Corny Collins Show." When her dream comes true, she's transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin and integrate a TV network... all without denting her 'do!

Founded in 2014, Bay Area Musicals (BAM!) is a professional, nonprofit theatre organization dedicated to presenting the highest-caliber of musical theater in San Francisco.

Visit www.bamsf.org for more information.