The Insider's Guide to the 2011 Mountain Play: Hairspray
One of Marin County's most beloved and unique events is the famous Mountain Play—an outdoor theater experience on the slopes of Mt. Tamalpais that's been going strong for 98 years. 2011's Mountain Play production is the Tony Award-winning Hairspray, the story of self-proclaimed "pleasantly plump" teenager Tracy Turnblad as she simultaneously pursues stardom as a dancer on a local TV show and rallies against racial segregation in 1962 Baltimore. Winner of 8 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Hairspray features a heart pounding score of such favorites as Welcome to the '60s, Good Morning, Baltimore, Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now and You Can’t Stop the Beat. Hairspray is based on the 1988 movie of the same name written and directed by cult filmmaker John Waters.
The Mountain Play's production of Hairspray features a professional cast (including local singer/songwriter and children's performer Susan Zelinsky, AKA Susan Z, as Velma Von Tussle), and is directed by Marin drama legend and Mountain Play veteran James Dunn.
Performances take place at 2 pm at Mt. Tam's Cushing Memorial Amphitheater on May 22 and 29, and June 5, 11, 12, and 19. General seating ticket prices range from $30–$40, and children 3 and under are free. Reserved seats are available for Mountain Play Fan Club members (starting at $56); higher membership levels include perks like reserved parking and special shuttle passes. Order tickets online here or by phone at (415) 383-1100.
Make a day of it
Of course the Mountain Play isn't just about the play—it's about the complete Mountain Play experience. This includes taking in the pre- and post-show entertainment, with puppet shows and face-painting for the kids and '50s and '60s tunes by the Todd Morgan & the Emblems as you wait for the shuttle bus after the play.
There's also a raffle, a costume contest, and more. You can even take advantage of the Mountain Play's unique location and take a hike before the show. Check the Mountain Play's website for details on these activities and events.
It's also traditional to bring your picnic lunch to the Mountain Play. Playgoers can get pretty elaborate with their gourmet picnic meals, and just checking out the gourmet fare that people bring is half the fun. There will even be a picnic contest at the last performance on Sunday, June 19. If you think your picnic spread is a contender, make sure you check in when you arrive to enter the contest.
Don't want to pack your lunch? Don't worry, you can buy a wide range of food at the Mountain Play concession stands, including sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, ice cream, hot and cold drinks, and even beer and wine.
If you go
The Mountain Play box office opens at 9 am on performance days. Very limited parking is available on the mountain, and lots usually fill up by 11 am. Lots closest to the theater are reserved for members and patrons with disabilities who have reserved spots in advance. Parking is available at Rock Springs and at the old Air Force base. Air Force base parking is $5; a shuttle bus will take you to and from the amphitheater from the Air Force base parking lots.
The traditional way to get to the mountain play, however, is to take one of the free shuttle bus—otherwise known as the Mountain Play Express—up onto the mountain. The Mountain Play's fleet of eco-friendly yellow bueses will whisk you up to the Cushing Memorial Amphitheater from two locations in Mill Valley—the Manzanita Park-and-Ride Lot at the Highway 101 and Shoreline Highway junction (near the Buckeye restaurant) and at Tamalpais High School on Miller Avenue. The Mountain Play Express runs approximately every 15 minutes from 10 am to 1 pm, and will be there to take you back down the mountain after the play. Cars may be parked at both locations all day free of charge.
When you go, make sure you're prepared for any kind of weather. Even if it's foggy in Mill Valley, the Rock Springs and amphitheater can be sunny and hot. There are some areas of shade in the amphitheater, but they're available on a first-come, first-served basis. Hats, sunscreen, and layered clothing are a must at the Mountain Play. Make sure you bring plenty of drinking water, too. Amphitheater seats are all stone blocks, so stadium cushions, pillows, blankets, and other forms of padding are a good idea, too. Reserved seats have pads in place already, and you can rent them when you get there.
For the true Mountain Play experience, take the Mountain Play Express shuttle bus up the mountain, and then hike down after the show. The route down the Mt. Tamalpais is seven miles and takes about two to three hours to complete, so if you plan on hiking bring plenty of water and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. You can get a route map and hiking directions on the Mountain Play's website.
If you choose to hike down from the theater, the Mountain Play will transport your ice chests, blankets, picnic baskets, and other bulky items down the mountain for you; pick them up at the Depot in downtown Mill Valley, and then hop a shuttle bus for the ride back to your car. The last shuttle bus leaves downtown Mill Valley at 9 pm.
Other transportation options include biking or hiking up to the amphitheater.
To order tickets or for more information on this year's production and the Mountain Play experience, visit www.mountainplay.org or call (415) 383-1100.
