‘Cry-Baby,’ behind the scenes

“Cry-Baby,” starring James Snyder in the title role and Elizabeth Stanley as Allison, will test its wings at the La Jolla Playhouse before heading for Broadway next spring. (Sean Masterson / For The Times)

Sept. 16, 2014 5:07 AM PT

Chester Gregory II is Dupree in “Cry-Baby,” the second of John Waters’ films to take the Broadway stage in musical form. The first, “Hairspray” (based on Waters’ 1988 box-office hit), scored eight Tonys in 2003. (Sean Masterson / For The Times)

Alli Mauzey, as Lenora, belts one out to the rafters in the La Jolla Playhouse’s production of “Cry-Baby.” (Sean Masterson / For The Times)

The gritty 1950s sendup’s cast includes, from left, Carly Jibson, Lacey Kohl and Cristen Paige. “I joke that ‘Hairspray’ is the musical every high school will do, and ‘Cry-Baby’ is the one every high school will want to do but their principal won’t let them,” says Mark O’Donnell, who co-wrote the scripts for both stage adaptations with Thomas Meehan. (Sean Masterson / For The Times)

David Javerbaum, seated center during a rehearsal, is the show’s lyricist. (Liz O. Baylen / For The Times)

James Snyder, left, and costar Elizabeth Stanley, center, join Harriet Harris and the rest of the cast during a first-day read-through in New York City. (Liz O. Baylen / For The Times)

Cast member Ashley Amber (middle, blond hair) meets and greets on the first day of rehearsals in New York for the musical version of John Waters’ cult film “Cry-Baby,” which will have its pre-Broadway run at the LaJolla Playhouse. (Liz O. Baylen / For The Times)

On the first day of rehearsals for “Cry-Baby,” director Mark Brokaw reveals images of inspiration to a cast members and creators. (Liz O. Baylen / For The Times)

The cast, including Marty Lawson (left-center, in striped shirt) and Charlie Sutton (right, in black T-shirt) are all ears during a presentation given by “Cry-Baby” director Mark Brokaw. (Liz O. Baylen / For The Times)

Harriet Harris cools her heels during the first day of rehearsals in New York City. (Liz O. Baylen / For The Times)

Cast and creators like what they’ve read at the kick-off “Cry-Baby” rehearsal. (Liz O. Baylen / For The Times)

Actors Eric L. Christian, left, and Michael Buchanan take a break in the action after staging a scene from “Cry-Baby.” (Liz O. Baylen / For The Times)