Hairspray

There is always a buzz just before curtain up for a ‘Players’ show…and this was no exception as Tracy Turnblad (Bethany Lewis) is seen in bed, cleverly visually upright against a well portrayed back drop of Baltimore, as she, and the always well drilled and vocally exceptional company, open with the rousing catchy ‘Good Morning Baltimore’. Bethany showed tremendous style and energy delivering a really storming performance throughout the whole show. She was the mainstay and focal point ‘giving it big’ in every scene and song in which she features. There were so many ‘stars’ of this show…We had Corny Collins (Chris Penn) the ‘cool’ hip gyrating compare with the mostest, including that quiff to die for, (copious hairspray of course!). Link Larkin (Stephen Brown) as the would be iconic singer aspiring to Elvis status, he was lively and with very strong vocals, showing true loyalty to Tracy as she competes with Amber Von Tussle (Polly Woodward) the spoilt rich kid with a pushy Mum, Velma Van Tussle (Howie Forster), they beautifully portrayed a strong bond but with an equally obnoxious persona as Amber thinks she has a right to win both the contest and the attentions of Link…you never doubted her character as she, and her studio manager mother Velma, also contributed great vocals particularly in the ‘Mama I’m A Big Girl Now’. Howie (Velma) gave one of her best ever performances in this role. Now Tracy’s mum, Edna (Darryl Peek), was the real comedy mainstay with a superb over-sized cross dressing performance as she over protected her daughter but secretly wanted her to succeed, while her less than forceful, “anything you say dear” father Wilbur (Stephen Wilson) shared the ‘glory’ and joined Edna in the very funny duet, ‘You’re Timeless To Me’, even reprising it in response to audience approval. A glorious interlude to the main story…and an unlikely chemistry.

 Now this story is actually a racially driven piece with the clash of cultures being heavily portrayed in the dialogue and song lyrics, some of which were lost in the heavy American accents and sometimes consumed by the ‘full on’ excellent sound of the really effective nine piece band who drive this effervescent show…and I will not criticise it for being too loud! Sound is often an issue and balance has to be found. I would hate to be the sound technician for this show, with so many individual singers and songs, and, I am told, twenty six radio microphones in use! On the whole it worked well and I like a ‘big’ sound.

 So how do you depict racial tension among two ‘sides’ while not using make  up to depict the obvious! Well in this Region it’s a problem but the use of darker clothing and a general attitude from the characters (plus dark tights!) helped. Also here we had the real ‘leader’ of the ‘Negro Day’ (circa 1962) Celebrations, Motor Mouth Maybelle (Paula Crisp). She presented a superb persona and excelled as she exhibited soul and passion in her rendition of ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’ to great audience acclaim. She was a shining light! Now in this racially charged story, and on her ‘side’, we had Seaweed J Stubbs (Lawrie Reed) in love with, and dating, Penny Pingleton (Danielle Newman) during this era an imprisonable offence! This pair personified the underlying tensions of the time and delivered a truly believable scenario with excellent vocals in their big number ‘Without Love’ accompanied by Tracy, Link and the ever effective Company who showed total commitment throughout both in the dance numbers and really spectacular accompanying scenes. Effective unobtrusive sets, costumes of the era and superb lighting and effects…Great fun…Great show!

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