Gwinnett Daily Post

SUWANEE -- Tracy Turnbald is making her way back to Suwanee.

The beloved, "pleasantly plump" main character from the musical "Hairspray"and the rest of her ensemble will return to Suwanee's Town Center this weekend, kicking off the city's Broadway in the Park events.

Performances held at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday will be free to attend this year, a change initiated by Suwanee Performing Arts. The main event will be preceded by the production of an original mini-musical called "Rapunzel's Twist" -- a retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale with a 1960s twist.

"The message (of "Hairspray") is phenomenal," Suwanee Performing Arts Executive Director Patti Etherton said. "The story of love and acceptance and even taking those that don't fit the cultural norm and bringing out the best in everybody -- it's a great message, a great story that we all need to hear and be reminded of. It's a classic."

Blankets, chairs and picnic baskets are encourage, but alcohol may not be brought to Town Center Park and will not be made available for purchase.

For more information, visit www.suwanee.com.