“Hairspray”

Highly Recommended ***** It has been awhile since we have seen “Hairspray” the Broadway Musical in Chicago. Sometimes I forget just how powerful it can be. With a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan and music by Marc Shaiman who along with Scott Wittman wrote the lyrics, this is a musical rendition of the Newline Cinema film written by John Waters and tells us the story of young Tracy Turnblad ( an amazing performance by Niki Metcalf), a high school girl who wanted nothing more than to dance on the local dance show. She is different! Her family is Different! I guess that is part of the story. Can “different ” fit in? With Tracy’s help, they do! This was the 1960’s and if you recall ,the Dick Clark American bandstand,, Baltimore ( where the story takes place) had their version- Corny Collins (  local actor Billy Dawson deftly handles this role) and as you might expect, the young dancers on the show ere all perfect- white, cute and of course had the best hair possible. The show was sponsored by a hairspray company ( thus the title).

Tracy’s family was not exactly what you might call one that would fit in with the others. Her father Wilbur ( well played by Christopher Swan) is funny and very laid back, until problems arise, and then he becomes the best of the best. Tracy’s mother, Edna ( a magnificent performance by Andrew Levitt). I have seen many actors play this role over the years, but I must say, Andrew was by far the best and just another reason to see this production for. After all these months of “lack of theater” for many, if you need to get out and see something that will make you feel good about life again, this is the one. Opening night was as the snow of a major storm ended and guess what? There was a nearly full house at The CIBC and when the curtain came down, no one wanted it to end. They were having the time of their lives.

A show like this only is as good as the script ( terrific), the musical numbers ( dynamite) and the dance numbers ( Michael Lynch took Jerry Mitchell’s choreography to a new level). The direction by Matt Lenztook some liberties with the original by Jack O’Brien, but it all works great. What adds to the greatness is the ensemble. They are wonderful, many playing several roles. Two that stood out to me were Greg Kalafatas who played the Principal, Harriman Spritzer, Mr. Pinky and a guard. The other Emmanuelle Zeesman as Prudy Pingleton, the gym teacher ( a funny bit)  and the prison matron. This actress is funny!

Part of the story is also about integrating the dance show. The dance show did a once a month Negro Day and it is young Tracy and her bestie Penny Pingleton ( the adorable Emery Henderson ) who help make it happen. Tracy meets Seawood (Brandon G. Stalling) in detention and learns new dances. What she leans with them is that both Whites and Negroes should be able to do what they want in spite of the powers to be. Tracy also meets problems as she begins to win over the show’s heartthrob singer Link Larkin ( deftly handled by Will Savarese) who is supposed to be the boyfriend of her arch enemy Amber ( Kaelee Albritton), whose mother Velma (Addison Garner) is the show’s producer.

As I said, there is a huge ensemble in this production and all of them play an important part of the storytelling. We cannot forget Seaweed’s mother, Motormouth Maybelle ( a dynamite performance by Gabriyel Harris) and all the ensemble members that bring the story to life. With a seven piece orchestra the music fills the theater with songs such as “Good Morning Baltimore”, “Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now”, “Welcome to the 60’s”, “Timeless to Me” ( a showstopper done by Wilbur and Edna that will have you in stitches), the spiritual “I Know Where I’ve Been” done to perfection by Ms Harris is the anthem to equality, and of course the three song Finale: “Hairspray”, “Cooties” and “You Can’t Stop The Beat” that will send you out of the theater wanting more, and with a grin or smile on your face.

This is a road show and so the costumes and props are as they were on Broadway and the sets are close to the original, but more portable for bus and truck travel. Overall, I must say, I am glad that I decided to face the snow of Chicago, drive down to the city and attend this opening. I was glad to see my theater friends who also attend the openings and that almost all of them braved the storm- it was well worth it!

Tickets range from $33 and are available at any of the Broadway In Chicago box offices, or at www.BroadwayInChicago.com

For info about the production visit www.hairspraytour.com

“Hairspray” will continue at The CIBC Theatre located at 18 West Monroe Street until February 13th with performances as follows:

Fri, Feb 4:7:30pm