Hairspray

HAIRSPRAY – The Broadway Musical  is a joy.  Set in 1962 it takes us back to the rise of teen culture.  Our heroine, Tracy Turnblad, longs to join the regulars and pop idol (Link Larkin) on her favourite tv music show but her ample curves don’t fit the bill as far as the show’s producer (and former Miss Baltimore Crabs) Velma Von Tussle is concerned.  Tracy also faces opposition from her mother (Edna) fearing Tracy’s size will lead to rejection, but her father encourages her to follow her dream.  Against the odds, Tracy succeeds, appears on the show and becomes a hit.  She then sets her sights on racial integration.  As if that’s not enough, she finds herself in detention because of her hairdo.

The outstanding talent of the cast shone throughout this excellent production. From the high energy opening “Good Morning Baltimore” to the finale “You Can’t Stop The Beat”, the whole show just sparkled. 

In Hairspray there is no one “star” as everyone shines in this production. The duo with Wilbur (Phil Cable) and Daniel Goode as Edna in “You’re timeless to me” was both touching and hilarious and the audience loved it. 

Hannah Frost was outstanding in the role of Tracy, producing a certain magic on the stage that was remarkable for one so young. Vocally her singing was strong and line delivery was clear, diction and accent excellent.

She had great support from the very talented, Rebecca Murphy, as her friend Penny Pingleton who blossoms with the love of a good (black) man: a terrific performance from Christian Akamba as Seaweed J Stubbs. What a great mover!

Simone Robinson, a new member to the society, simply stunned the audience as Motormouth Maybelle with her knockout voice. “I Know Where I Been” rightly deserved its standing ovation. Congratulation. 

Joshua Borley clearly relished his role as the pop idol, Link Larkin with both singing and dancing well executed.

Tracey Gwynne gave an impressive performance as Velma Von Tussle, showing great control in a role that could so easily be over played.  

Angie Frost demonstrated her talent as a comic character actress as Prudy Pingleton , Penny’s mother.  

Hayden Boxall had a natural, easy presence as Corny Collins and good command of the stage. I loved the shoes!

Jessica Robinson was well cast as the sweet and at times, nasty, Amber, Tracy’s rival. 

Alex Georges brought energy and humour to her role as Little Inez. Another star of the future I believe.

The company in general, some 35 plus, are too many to mention individually but needless to say there did not appear to be a single weak link amongst the cast.

Direction was excellent with a good balance between pure fun and pathos.

The band under the direction of Keith Willis did a great job with the score ensuring a good balance between performers and musicians. Weak diction and pace delivery occasionally interfered with the performance, but this is a small point on the whole.

Choreography by the very talented Ella Martin was outstanding. Everyone seemed very comfortable with what was expected of them and the whole 60’s dance theme had obviously been well researched. A very professional job done. I loved it.

Hairspray is the ultimate feel-good musical.  It deals with some serious issues (body image and racial segregation) but in a fun way.  HD&OS should be proud to add Hairspray to their list of huge successes.  It fizzled from start to finish, was full of great comedy, vocals and slick choreography and was simply a wonderful way to spend a hugely enjoyable evening. 

Thank you for your generous hospitality. Have a great last night.

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