Local teen stars in Hairspray

Ever since she was a little girl, Hailey Beard has been performing. At 2 years old she would go to the front of her church and sing the Sesame Street theme song, and at 17 years old, she is starring as Tracy in an upcoming production of “Hairspray” in Decatur.

“I live my entire life on stage. Basically, the world is a stage for me,” Beard said.

Beard will be taking on the role of Tracy for the second time in her acting career; she also played Tracy her ninth-grade year in their school production at Hartselle High.

Beard said her earlier role was in a shortened version of “Hairspray,” and this time she is able to add more depth to her character.

“I have learned a lot from this production. I feel like I can play Tracy with more layers,” Beard said.

“Hairspray” will be staged by the Bank Street Players in Decatur and will have showings from July 19-21. The show is directed by Carol Puckett and features several other Hartselle actors. “When Hartselle people are involved, the standard is raised,” Puckett said.

Puckett said Beard is exceling in her role as Tracy. “It is hard to see where Hailey ends and Tracy begins,” Puckett said.

Beard said her favorite part of being on stage is “the adrenaline rush. When I step on stage, I am a completely different person. It is so freeing.”

“Hairspray” will be Beard’s sixth production with Bank Street Players. Puckett said the Bank Street Players have been around since the ’70s but went dormant for a short spell until a few years ago.

“Hailey is a real good example of what Bank Street Players was created to do: to provide people with talents and passion a place to perform,” Puckett said.

Beard said the theme of Hairspray is love and acceptance. “The big issue is segregation, and Tracy does not like that,” Beard said. “I just want people to leave the show feeling love and compassion.”

The show also addresses body image issues and self-worth, Beard added. “The other issue can be seen in Tracy. She is always portrayed by a bigger actress, and she is not what people typically consider conventionally beautiful,” Beard said. “At the end of the show, she is chosen over someone that is conventionally beautiful, and I think it is inspirational. I hope I can inspire a little kid in the audience just like I was.”

Shows starts at 7 p.m. July 19-21, and there will also be a 2 p.m. showing July 21. The production will take place at the historic Princess Theatre in Decatur, and tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.princesstheatre.org.