Dublin Actress Sarah Sloan Takes On 'Hairspray's' Von Tussle

DUBLIN, CA — The actress Sarah Sloan, who makes her home in Dublin, is a very busy woman. She's getting set to take on the role of “Velma Von Tussle” in Bay Area Musicals' stage production of "Hairspray," about a lovable plus-size teen in 1962 Baltimore. Sloan's character, however, is not so sweet. Instead, Von Tussle is the show's snobbish antagonist, who has also been portrayed by Blondie's Debbie Harry, as well as the actresses Michelle Pfeiffer and Kristin Chenoweth.

Contrary to her less-than-likable stage character, in real life Sloan is a welcome force in the local community for youth and adults interested in acting, singing and music. She's taught numerous vocal lessons and choir classes throughout the Dublin, Pleasanton and Livermore school districts and created theory, musical theatre history and group vocal technique classes for Diablo Theatre Company Summer Camps.

"I teach a variety of musical styles to youth and adults from age 8-80. I teach classical technique as a beginning orientation that can then be applied to most genres," according to her bio.

The upcoming "Hairspray" production is nothing new to Sloan. Her recent stage work includes Maria in "Sound of Music" at Contra Costa Civic Theatre; Sister Mary Leo in "Nunsense" with Tri Valley Rep; and Polly Perkins in "There Goes The Bride" at Masquers Playhouse.

Her work in "Hairspray" follows the play's great successes. The stage production of "Hairspray" debuted on Broadway in 2002 and received Tony Award nominations in 13 categories, winning eight, including for best musical.

The BAM "Hairspray" production is based on a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan and the John Waters’ 1988 film of the same name. The production's songs include 1960s-style dance music and "downtown" rhythm and blues. The staging, which runs July 6 – August 11 at San Francisco’s Victoria Theatre, will close BAM's 2018-19 season.

For more information, visit www.bamsf.org.