Mountain Play’s Hairspray Set for Final Act Sunday

At the conclusion of the Mountain Play’s production of Hairspray, Tracey Turnblad, played by Marin School of the Arts junior Kimmie Swanson, issues a directive to the crowd: “C’mon everybody, let’s dance.”

Through five shows this season, the crowd has obliged, capping the show with the kind of high octane energy the Mountain Play has been seeking after two years of relatively disappointing turnout.

As the 98-year-old Mountain Play gets set for its centennial in 2013, organizers hope the strong showing continues through Sunday’s final performance, as Swanson and a stalwart cast cap the season at Mount Tam's Cushing Memorial Amphitheater. 

The show performance starts at 2 p.m., but as with all Mountain Play shows, there’s plenty of pre- and post-show entertainment.

Bay Area puppetmaster Bob Hartman performs at 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m., while Todd Morgan & the Emblems, a four piece 50's and 60's rock & roll band, perform after every show.

Before the show, there's also a best picnic contest from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m., with Pizza Antica chef Gordon Drysdale serving as celebrity judge. Register for the contest from 11 a.m. to noon at the Raffle Table. The first prize is Smokey Joe BBQ.

The 411: Tickets ($30-$40) are available for the final Mountain Play performance Sunday at 2 p.m. Most seats are first-come-first-served. Reserved seats are available for Mountain Play Fan Club members (starting at $56). Box office opens at 9 a.m. on performance days. For more information visit www.mountainplay.org or call 383-1100.

Transportation: The mountain has very limited parking, and lots are usually full by 11 a.m. Mountain Play officials encourage attendees to take one of the free shuttles, the Mountain Play Express. The buses are available at either the Manzanita Park-and-Ride Lot (near the Buckeye Roadhouse) and at Tam High. The shuttle runs every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and again after the show to bring people back down the mountain.