FARMINGTON — What do you do when 102 youth between the ages of 8 and 18 show up at tryouts for a community show?

In Farmington, you cast them all! And that’s exactly what director Stacy Herren did.

The city’s community arts center, 120 S. Main St., will present “Hairspray Jr.” March 16-19, with shows running each night at 7 p.m., plus a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on March 19.

“We just have so much talent and I couldn’t turn anyone away,” Herren said. Plus, it is an unwritten rule that anyone who tries out makes the show.

This is Herren’s first time directing a show, though she has been involved as a producer in the past. And although such a big cast has been an overwhelming and daunting task, it has been well worth it, she said. “The show is just amazing and the help I have had to put it all together has been amazing also,” Herren said.

PREVIEW

• WHAT: ”Hairspray Jr.”

• WHEN: 7 p.m. March 16-19, matinee 2 p.m. March 19

• WHERE: Farmington Community Arts Center, 120 S. Main St., Farmington

• ADMISSION: $6/advance, $7/at door.; 801-451-0953

Not only does the show have a large ensemble, but Herren has created extra roles. There is a gospel choir, extra “Dynamites,” one of the characters, Mr. Pinkie, has a staff, and there are more members of the town council.

“We had to keep the main characters who they were, because we wanted to stay true to the show,” Herren said.

The show is set in 1962 with spunky plus-sized teen Tracy Turnblad, who has a dream to dance on the popular Corny Collins show. When she finally gets her chance, she is changed from a social outcast to overnight sensation. There are a series of other events that are intertwined in the show related to race and social justice.

Herren said the kids, most in the 13 to 18 age range, have taken their roles very seriously and made a show people should see. “The acting, the costuming, the sets. It’s all just a dream,” Herren said.

The show is funded by the city and by donations. People donate money and have ads in the program. The city has a costume warehouse and has also rented costumes.

“There are hundreds of costumes in the show and they are all incredible. The colors are bright and people will love them,” Herren said. Most of the characters have three to four costume changes and Herren admits it has been pretty crazy to get it all figured out, but they have pulled it off.

The city puts on two shows a year and Herren said, “People here really love the arts and there has always been a lot of interest.”

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