Little Inez gets a big voice: Kaila Symone Crowder in “Hairspray” and her Broadway debut

You don’t have to be a musical connoisseur to remember how satisfied John Travolta was with his role as Edna Turnblad, the mother of the spirited and passionate Tracy Turnblad in the 2007 film adaptation of the 2002 Broadway musical. Hairspray. While there was no question who was hiding beneath the wig, dress and soft, fluffy figure, the role was somehow perfectly written for and embodied by the two-stepper from Saturday Night Fever. Whether on screen or stage, Hairspray, the high-energy, song-and-dance musical, isn’t just a celebration of big hair and catchy tunes. While undeniably entertaining, the story tackles serious themes with surprising depth, making it a cultural milestone that still resonates today.

On the surface, the Tony Award-winning play is about Tracy Turnblad, an overweight teenager in 1960s Baltimore who dreams of dancing on the televised Corny Collins Show. As Tracy pursues her passion, the show challenges racial segregation and beauty ideals, sparking a movement for inclusion and acceptance. A social critic disguised as fun, wrapped in colorful costumes and stirring music, Hairspray is a powerful message of equality. The show confronts racism through Tracy’s friendship with Seaweed J. Stubbs, a black teenager, and their desire to dance together. It doesn’t shy away from the realities of racial segregation, but instead advocates for change with humor and heart.

But while everything is happening on stage, another storm is brewing – Little Inez, Seaweed’s feisty younger sister, proves to be more than just a sidekick. Throughout the storyline, the talented young artist is a force to be reckoned with, full of confidence, sass and an unbridled desire to break down racial barriers. Described as a “brave and tough” teenager, Little Inez is a natural on the dance floor. Her soulful voice and dancing talent shine as she impatiently awaits the moment to showcase her gifts.

The character of little Inez has resonated with audiences of all ages since Hairspray’s launch, and the actresses who portray her often bring their own unique energy to the role, further amplifying its message of empowerment. Today, as the live show enters the final leg of its current tour, it is Kaila Symone Crowder who has taken on the responsibility of playing little Inez. A bright new face on the theater scene, her journey from a small town in North Carolina to the national tour of Hairspray is as inspiring and remarkable as the role she has taken on.

With her passion for singing sparked by the Inspire the Fire summer program, Crowder discovered her love for acting and honed her craft throughout high school and college. “During my high school years, I became so involved in the theater and music department that I decided to make that my major in college,” Crowder explained in a recent interview with Dallas Weekly. “I first went to Alabama State and spent a year there and then transferred to North Carolina A&T for better opportunities.” “I worked so hard my junior year,” Crowder recalls, “I worked hard to boldly expand and pursue professional opportunities outside of the school department.”

Despite initial setbacks after graduation, Kaila’s unwavering determination and hard work paid off when she landed a coveted role in “Hairspray,” her second ever audition in New York City. This success, the fulfillment of a childhood dream to land a role in “Hairspray,” is an example of the same kind of perseverance that Kaila says she draws from playing little Inez. “I take a lot of the character of little Inez on the show into my personal life. Her boldness and even her participation on the Corny Collins Show. She said, ‘I don’t know if I’m going to get in, but even if you turn me down, I’m here.'”

“You get a lot of rejections, and sometimes the rejections are just God’s preparation for the next level. In this process, work on your skills and do what you need to do to improve yourself mentally, emotionally and physically.”

Kayla Symone Crowder

When talking about how she prepared to take on the role, Kaila noted that playing little Inez actually helped her be braver in her own life. “Inez’s personality on stage brings out something in me in my personal life,” says Crowder. “I always think to myself, ‘If Inez could do it, I can do it too. Because she’s 14 years old.'”

So Little Inez’s unwavering spirit in the face of prejudice serves as a personal inspiration for Kaila, who embodies that spirit not only on stage but in her own life by not allowing herself to be limited by the expectations of others. Kaila’s message is clear: Faith, resilience and confidence are the cornerstones of her success. She stresses the importance of staying true to yourself and not allowing rejection to define your worth. Crowder advised younger artists to “put God first. Don’t let anyone turn you down and give up. When someone turns you down, it’s very easy to retreat back into the shell you just came out of,” Kaila says. “Especially as a black woman, we think, ‘Maybe I need to change my hair, my skin tone, my nose.’ None of that is going to fulfill your inner self. If you’re always trying to please someone else, you’re never going to be complete.”

Kaila, as gracious as can be, also paid tribute to Audrey Floyd, her understudy for the role of little Inez, who, according to Crowder, deserves a special mention for “her hard work.”

Kaila is now on her first national tour and is looking forward to the challenges and excitement that traveling the country brings. She spoke fondly of her trips to New York and Los Angeles before college, experiences that subconsciously prepared her for the present and her future. “I had never really gone anywhere, and now I’m touring the country and learning so much.” Crowder also spoke of her gratitude for the role, saying that Inez has always been her favorite character in Hairspray. “Inez has always been my favorite character in Hairspray because she’s so brave. Inez always says, ‘Just let me sing — if you just give me one, yeah, I’ll do the rest.'”

“I take a lot of the character of little Inez from the show into my personal life. Her boldness and even her participation in the Corny Collins Show. She said, ‘I don’t know if I’m going to get in, but even if you turn me down, I’m here.'”

Kaila Symone Crowder

The enduring relevance of Hairspray touches deeply across generations, as Little Inez represents the younger generation – a generation that longs for a more just and inclusive world. Her unwavering confidence and talent inspire others, especially her brother Seaweed. Although the musical doesn’t explicitly show her future, Little Inez leaves a lasting impression. She embodies hope for a future where racial barriers break down and talented artists like her can shine on any stage.

Little Inez reminds us that even seemingly insignificant characters can play a crucial role in conveying a story’s message. In Kaila’s case, taking on the responsibility of the role is a perfect fit, challenging her to embrace and live out her boldness. Kaila’s journey is far from over, but the unwavering spirit and talent she has brought to the role of Little Inez is surely setting the stage for an exciting future full of captivating performances.

Don’t miss the Tony Award-winning musical. Hairspray in Dallas, June 18 – 30 at the Music Hall in Fair Park. Tickets are available at www.broadwaydallas.org

Related