Lawrenceburg grad cast as lead role in 'Hairspray' in Atlanta

(ATLANTA) – An Aurora native has just been cast as the lead role in the first-ever production for a new performing arts organization in Georgia.

Darci Combs-Garibay graduated from Lawrenceburg in 2023 and continued her passion for musical theater by attending the AMDA College of the Performing Arts in New York City. 

Even as a young girl, Darci dreamed of one day playing the lead role of Tracy Turnblad in the Tony Award-winning musical “Hairspray.” 

“Long before she ever imagined performing on a professional stage, we remember her singing ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ at Wendy’s Hair and Nails in Lawrenceburg,” said her mom, Carrie Combs. 

Darci’s dream that began several years ago in Dearborn County has just became reality! 

She's been cast as Tracy Turnblad for the production of ‘Hairspray’ that will take place in Atlanta this October. 

It’s the inaugural show for Pretty as a Penny Productions, a brand new nonprofit dedicated to producing high-quality, Broadway-style productions in Atlanta.  

Combs-Garibay is part of a cast that features nearly 30 professional musical theater performers. 

It’s an accomplishment that was made possible through Darci’s years of hard work which her mother describes as an incredible journey. 

“There have been countless hours of classes, rehearsals, auditions, travel, and hard work, along with plenty of challenges and moments of uncertainty. Through it all, she has continued to believe in herself and pursue the career she loves,” Carrie said. 

Want to make the trip to see Darci in person? “Hairspray” will be performed at the Lawrenceville Arts Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia from October 2-24. You can preorder tickets by clicking here.

https://youtu.be/csRxll7lTEU

“We are hoping that friends, family, former classmates, teachers, and members of the Lawrenceburg and Aurora communities might make their way to Lawrenceville, Georgia, during their fall break to support her,” Carrie added. 

While Darci is currently in Atlanta, she lives full-time in New York City where she is pursuing her musical theater dreams.