OAKLAND (KCBS Radio) -- It's supposed to be Trinity Chau’s big break. The Oakland High School senior and theatre arts major is starring as Tracy Turnblad in her school’s production of the musical “Hairspray.”
But not if the Oakland teacher strike, now in its fifth day, keeps going. The students are rehearsing in Chinatown—and showing solidarity with their striking teachers, who are demanding a 12 percent pay raise. But the confrontation has already forced the postponement of their March 1 opening night.
“We’re all committed to never cross the picket line,” Chao told KCBS Radio.
To avoid that, the students have held rehearsals at locations throughout the city, from Lake Merritt to the Oakland Museum Theater to the Oakland Asian Cultural Center in Chinatown, all in the hopes that they can still hold two performances on March 7 and 8.
The show would be Oakland High’s first musical in four decades, complete with a dedicated choreographer, singing instructor, and other resources to put the play on. Students have been rehearsing for four days a week, until as late as 7 p.m. for months.
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Now the uncertainty is causing a lot of stress, and adding more disruption to the students’ schedules.
“It’s so sad, I’m feeling really mad about this—it’s so disappointing,” said Chao. “The whole purpose is to perform at Oakland High.”
Special education instructor Koleyna Kohler has been volunteering as a stagehand.
“I’ve been excited since I’ve been at Oakland High to help out with the musical,” she said. “We have such a historical theater, and it would be so cool to see a musical in that space.”
“Really bad timing,” she added, “but we’re hoping for the best.”
Students will perform a free preview of Hairspray at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center on Saturday, March 2 at 7 p.m.