Hairspray

This was another fine production from Bros. Kate conveyed the atmosphere of the piece and made good use of all the facilities available at the Regis Centre, using the space and technical facilities very well. The music was in James’s capable hands, controlling the large orchestra well, with good interpretation and despite being marginally loud, achieved a nice balance between the stage and pit ensuring that every word of every song could be clearly heard.

The energy and talent these youngsters have is second to none, dancing their way through numerous numbers and each time giving more. This is a fast moving show and it requires some top class choreography and this is certainly what Wezley produced. I would think most people will know 'Good Morning Baltimore' and when Briana Page, in the part of Tracy Turnblad, sang and danced this number, it was exhilarating. How she managed to deliver all the words at the same time as dancing around the stage I will never know. The part of Edna Turnblad was taken by Tony Bright who, like Briana, had to wear a fat suit not only to make them look bigger but also, in his case, to make him into a woman. He was still able to deliver this to perfection in all the energetic numbers as well as the poignant 'You’re Timeless to Me' number with husband Wilbur, played by Miles Eden. I would happily go again just to see that magical, hilarious song!!

In this production there were numerous characters such as Link Larkin played by Bram de Vet, Penny Pingleton played by Katie Muffett, Seaweed J Stubbs played by Daniel N’Guessan-Lopez, Amber Von Tussle played by Katherine Winfield and Little Inez played by Chrissie Bhima, all giving one hundred and ten percent to make this show such a success and everyone of them taking a pride in their performance. Three other outstanding performances came from Jack Winrow (Corny Collins), Kemi Rodrigues (Motormouth) and Julie Waite (Velma Von Tussle) who all acted and sang brilliantly. The chorus, especially Dynamite, gave full support throughout both in sound and action and I loved the choreography, which blended very well with the action on stage as did the set, costumes, lighting and efficient stage management which kept the show moving at all times.

Overall this was great entertainment, enjoyed by an appreciative audience and one that should be enjoyed by many more with a near sell out audience for the rest of the run.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.