HAIRSPRAY

“Hairspray” tells the hard-hitting story of Tracy Turnblad who is described as a big girl with a big heart and a dream to dance.  The story also covers some hard hitting topics such as discrimination, civil unrest as well as friendships and true determination.

This talented group under the direction of Jamesine Cundell Walker ensured they delivered the story with ease.  They brought the story to life and the performance that I saw was full of energy with each and every member putting their heart and soul into their roles which they clearly enjoyed from the start to the final bows.

Choreography was in the capable hands of Judith Chapman.  The routines were a joy to watch and had the audience wanting to get up and join in – which indeed we were invited to do in the finale.

Technically the lighting and sound was good, and the brilliant set - which included separate area’s to create Turnblad’s kitchen including an authentic ironing board and iron, TV set and phone - was colourful and authentic to the era.  Costumes were excellent - thoroughly sixties, colourful and very well put together with great attention to detail including hair styles which all looked great.

Vickie Hawkins was great as Tracy Turnblad, giving a confident performance with lots of energy and stage presence.  The opening musical number “Good Morning Baltimore” set the bar for the rest of the show.  This is the first time I have come across a society having “2 Tracy’s” –with Leah Ogrizovic-Kerr as the alternate Tracy.  This is a great idea in such an all consuming part like this – and it gives more than 1 person the chance to have a crack at the role too!

Jonny Tate was exceptional as Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s mum, giving a brilliantly amusing performance and with Peter Whitley as husband Wilbur Turnblad they were a superb comedy duo – the highlight of the show (for me) was their duet “You’re timeless to me” – which brought the house down.

Mark Hutchinson as the smooth crooner Corny Collins has great stage presence and a lovely singing voice. Phoenix Hillier played the scheming, pushy producer Velma Von Tussle who would do anything for her daughter Amber Von Tussle (beautifully played by Sarah Chapman) to win the TV Miss Teenage Hairspray Pageant.  Both these young ladies delivered excellent characters throughout and were wonderful to watch.

Playing Tracy’s long suffering friend Penny Pringleton was Ellen O’Keefe who had great characterisation entirely throughout the whole production.  Playing her mother Prudy Pringleton was Sarah Whistlecroft – and together they were a brilliant duo.  Another musical highlight for me was when the 3 mothers and daughters sang “Mama I’m a big girl now”.

Josh Breeze gave a confident performance as the teenage heartthrob, Link Larkin - he delivered this leading role with great stage presence.

Reece Raymond gave a stand out performance as Seaweed J Stubbs, with outstanding vocals in his musical numbers, which were delivered with ease.  He was well supported by Emily Moses as Little Inez, and Josi JW Flavius as Motormouth Maybelle.

In many cameo roles were Dean Harness as Mr Pinky/ Principal and Spritzer along with Hannah Williams as Matron/Gym Teacher and Dynamite – both gave great characterisations in each and every one of the cameo’s they portrayed.

The finale “You Can’t Stop The Beat” was full of energy and a perfect ending to this energetic show.  It was clear that everyone on stage was giving 110% to this production.

John Sandland (Musical Director) and his orchestra must be congratulated on an excellent interpretation of the musical score – the band were fabulous to listen to, and with excellent sound (by Oliver Trenouth) everyone could be heard clearly over the musical accompaniment.

Many congratulations to everyone involved.  You certainly deserved your sell out houses through the week!

 

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