Rotorua Girls' and Rotorua Boys' students to perform Hairspray

Rotorua Girls' High School student Christian Te Whare as the lead role of Tracy Turnblad in the school's production of Hairspray. Photo/Supplied

Big hair, '60s fashion, and the Twist are making their way to the Rotorua stage with a high school production of Hairspray.

Students from Rotorua Girls' and Rotorua Boys' High Schools started rehearsals last week after bonding at an overnight noho (stay).

Director Bridget Donovan was blown away with how quickly the students gelled.

"They all looked so good at the first rehearsal. It was helpful that most already know the songs, storylines and characters. It meant we could get right into it.

"Students have wanted to do Hairspray for years but we've never been able to get the rights to do it. When we got the rights at the end of the last year, the students were so excited."

Year 11 student Christian Te Whare, 15, will take on the big bubbly character of Tracy Turnblad.

"I've always been a singer but I've never done a musical. I didn't expect to get a lead role but I'm so happy and excited.

"I've grown up watching Hairspray and I loved the way Tracy wanted everyone to dance together, breaking down those walls."

"We were so worried about finding the right Tracy Turnblad," Ms Donovan said. "So when Christian walked into the auditions we were like 'yes, we've found our Tracy!'"

The 50 students in the production will have full cast music rehearsals during the week, as well as blocking and dancing all day Sundays. Lead performers also have one on one vocal tuition.

"It sounds like a lot but it's so much fun that it doesn't feel like work," Christian said.

"I love all the songs Tracy sings and I love how fast paced and funny the whole play is."

Ms Donovan said the live theatre version of Hairspray was "so different but really energising".

"It takes a very particular person to play certain characters. For Velma and Amber Von Tussle we needed to find students who were not afraid to play those mean characters. The same goes for finding the right students to play the big, bold characters of Edna Turnblad or Maybelle Stubbs.

"I think audiences will initially be like 'oh this is not like the movie' but as soon as the first song begins, they will realise what they're in store for.

"The most important thing about Hairspray is that it sends a strong message in an entertaining way, that people should be treated equal, no matter their race, religion or appearance. It is set in an important political and historical time and reminds people we never want the world to look like that again."

Hairspray will run from June 23 to July 1 with evening and matinee performances.