Grab that hairspray and boost that crazy “doo!” Tonight at Playhouse Square you will need all the hold you can get to keep that hair up while you dance and sing along with the songs from Hairspray!
Although some of the acting and singing from the performance of Hairspray was moderate, most of the actors had amazing talent. Christian White (Seaweed), Jerry O’Boyle (Edna Turnblad), and Amber Rees (Penny) either had the audience rolling with laughter or had the ability to make their characters complex with a little dialogue and a few songs. Certain performers like Matthew Ragas (Link) and Yvette Monique Clark (Seaweed’s mother) possessed phenomenal voices, which were essential to eliminate the tragic sound of Erin Sullivan’s screechy voice. Brooklynn Pulver (Tracy) was a blast to watch! Her dance moves combined with her fun personality allowed everyone to admire her and everything she did. The overall dancing of the cast was astonishing! The ways that they could twirl, pop, and twist just blew my mind.
Add to the lighthearted dancing a colorful and bright display and I don’t see how anyone could not delight in Hairspray. Every set change brought with it new hairstyles and different shades of pink and blue. Compared to the sets of other productions, I was impressed with the scenery from the opening to the fall of the curtain.
Despite the fact that Hairspray leans toward the side of a “chick-flick”, the underlying points touched deeper issues. Tracy is told by her father to work hard for what she wants therefore, Tracy pursues her dreams with enthusiasm and faith. If every teenager lived life following after their hopes, with Tracy’s passion, this world would be filled with a great generation of hardworking people. Also, this production emphasized the idea that the inward appearance of a human being matters more than the outward appearance. In the end, the talented and diligent people gained love and fame, while the “pretty elite” lost it all. In today’s day and age, girls and boys need to embrace this philosophy on life.
Hairspray was entertaining to the entire audience, due to its family atmosphere and clean storyline. It was perfect for the young viewer and also engaging for the adult audience. Everyone was singing by the end of the production and ready to dance. I just can’t seem to “Stop The Beat” even hours after the show! This is definitely one of my top picks for the 2009 Playhouse Square Season.
Hairspray now showing at Playhouse Square from February 6th- February 8th.
Go to playhousesquare.com for more information and contact numbers.
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I always thought Hairspray was sort of off the wall, but I am probably mixing it up with another play I heard about called just "Hair" or something like that... Anyway, sounds fun! Again, I think you have amazing talent in writing, D. Hey, could you write for our horse magazine? www.bitandbridlemag.com We always need more good writers! (and, I became associate editor not too long ago--woot!).
ReplyDeleteLisa Mack is now playing Motormouth. And John Edwards is now playing the role of Seaweed. The program hasn't been updated yet. Just thought you would want that to be accurate.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Thanks to the anonymous who let me know about the change in roles.... for this performance I was unable to keep notes during the show and therefore was unsure of a few of those points. Also I only use the online cast or the cast stated in the program. Once again thanks for letting me know about the change! ~Din
ReplyDeleteKatie, if you get this here....... I would love to write for you guys! Sadly I know very little about horses, but I wouldn't mind doing something. Just e-mail me or something and we can figure it all out. (I check my e-mail more than this.) Miss you tons and if I don't get a reply from you soon. I will just e-mail you. ~Din
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