Hairspray

Hairspray is about the difficulties and social injustices of American society in the 1960’s and about Tracy Turnblad, a plump teenager who longs to audition to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance programme. Her wish comes true when her audition makes her a local star but then she goes on to fight for racial integration on the show addressing the segregation faced by the black community.

The opening number ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ set the tone for what was to be a kaleidoscopic explosion of colour and vibrancy throughout the show. Geogii Bailey was utterly stunning in the pivotal role of Tracy Turnbald. She was so full of life and her whole demeanour fitted the role perfectly. Georgii was a joy to watch and what a super singing voice she has, it was a totally magnetic performance. Traditionally played by a man, Karl Bennan, as Tracey’s mother Edna Turnbald, was just brilliant. He portrayed the uncertainties and concerns for Tracey superbly. He was perfect in every way from his splendiferous outfits, his make-up, his outrageously high heels (however he managed to walk in those defies all reasoning), to his wonderful singing voice - a great performance. Her husband and Tracey’s father, Wilbur, was splendidly played by Simon Lewington. His duet, with Edna, ‘You’re Timeless to Me’ was a real hoot and it was so bawdily and suggestively ‘danced’ it was just awesome!

Connor MacNamara  was very much the flashy, smooth and confident presenter, Corny Collins, of The Corny Collins Show and Rich Hancock excelled as the heartthrob and lead dancer on the show. Tanya Tuby gave a terrific performance as Velma Von Tussle, the overbearing and scheming producer of ‘The Show’. She ideally portrayed the villainess, the vindictiveness and vicious traits of the character with great aplomb. Natalie Sharratt was great as Amber, the self-centred and ambitious daughter of Velma, a somewhat carbon copy of her mother. I loved Jodie James as Penny Pingleton, she was so cutely adorable as the insecure, self-conscious best friend of Tracey. She was totally under the thumb of her mother, wonderfully played by Sarah Morrell, but eventually, came out of her shell and the influence of her mother, emerging into a beautiful young lady.

A standout performance came from Janine Dyer as Motormouth Maybelle the owner of a record store and host of ‘Negro Day’ on ‘The Show’. What a truly magnificent and amazing singing voice she has. Her son, Seaweed J. Stubbs, was excellently played by Benjamin Loy and Shorelle Hepkin was delightful as Little Inez, his younger sister. There was terrific support from all those in minor roles and from the ensemble.

The numerous musical numbers were all splendidly performed and the accompanying choreography was in the style of the period and executed with precision, enthusiasm and tremendous vitality especially in, possibly the most well known of all the musical numbers, 'You Can't Stop the Beat' which was outstanding. The various sets were stunning - I loved the outside of Wilbur’s shop and the innovative way in which the blinds were closed. The costumes were absolutely fabulous, the lighting was top notch as was the sound, but just occasionally the band needed to quell their, shall we say, over exuberance when the cast were speaking.

Altogether this was a terrific show, full of colour, fun and vibrancy whilst addressing the moral issues surrounding the segregation of the black community. Congratulations must indeed go to the production team and back stage workers and to the exceptionally talented cast for all their obvious hard work in putting on a show that was of such a high standard.

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