Plus-size Production

Tracy Turnblad, center, played by Lindsey Hedberg, is surrounded by The Dynamites, a girl group played by, from left, Yudith Burton, Oyoyo Joi Bonner and Antonia Darlene in a scene from the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre’s production of “Hairspray.”

Roger Welch received some advice on his “Hairspray” role directly from a guy who ought to know: John Travolta.

Travolta, who played the part in the 2007 movie, told Welch to just try to get used to the high heels. They’ll kill you at first.

High heels?

Yes, his character is Edna Turnblad, the plus-size mother of the plus-size heroine, Tracy Turnblad. Welch, the artistic director of the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre, joins Travolta in the exclusive club of people who have donned the fat-suit and the wig as Edna, a group that also includes Harvey Fierstein, George Wendt and the drag queen Divine. JIm Kershner, SR Read more.

Any Hairspray fans out there?