Hairspray

This was my first visit to this company but it was well worth waiting for. This was also my first  viewing of  “ Hairspray”. This company has managed to obtain a licence to perform the Amateur UK Premiere of this show and I now understand why this society was so persistant  in their efforts to perform this particular musical. A very good story line and some fine performances from those involved made this an evening to remember. The exuberance and energy throughout the show recalled the 60s as though it were yesterday and the music in this production took me right back to my youth bringing me such happy memories of a wonderful era. The costume department had obviously done their homework and everyone looked at home in what they were wearing. Ken Mitchell, Musical Director, kept a firm hold of his orchestra and apart from an occasional abundance of volume in some of the numbers, he did a sterling job with the lively score. Scenery, lighting and sound played a great part in this very successful evening. Director/Choreographer Scott St Martyn has brought out the best in the very talented cast. It is apparent he knows this show well and has brought out all the little nuances in the various characters. It is a well known fact that the minor performers in a show are often weak and these are what the audience remember. This is not the case with this production. Nearly all of the supporting characters were first class and made a valuable contribution to the show.  Bethany Magee in her first lead role as Tracy was outstanding. She sang beautifully and impressed with her dancing and energy, I look forward to seeing her in a future production. The innovation of an electronic dialogue board for the hard of hearing was a great idea and did not distract. This company has been entertaining the I.O.M. since 1949 and has evolved into a splendid group which has an enviable reputation and I can’t wait for their next offering.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.