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CVLT's 'Hairspray'simply a perfect 'do
(by Herb Hammer - July 26, 2012)
CVLT's 'Hairspray'simply a perfect 'do
THEATRE, BY HERB HAMMER
From the very moment "Hairspray" begins and a magnificent Lindsay Simon, as Tracey Turnblad, belts out the corny opening number "Good Morning Baltimore," you know you're in for a good time.
There is much to talk about regarding this musical adapted from the 1988 John Waters film. It's best though to say, Chagrin Valley Little Theatre is staging a whale of a good show.
With 1960s-style dance numbers, Marc Shaiman's music is incredibly entertaining when attached to Scott Witman's lyrics and Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan's book.
Those who remember Dick Clarks's "American Bandstand," and those who wish they did, will find this splendidly directed show something you could only hope for.
Director Pamela LaForce and her team have gathered together a terrific cast. With constant dancing and singing, the vintage 1960s-style show will send you home grinning.
"Hairspray" celebrates Tracey, a happy youngster larger in girth than the average teen with a mammoth hairstyle that takes an enormous amount of hair spray to hold in place. Her great ambition is to dance on the local Corney Collins teen dance television show.
Against all odds, she successfully auditions for the show and wins over Link Larkin, the show's heartthrob.
From the beginning to the very end and, "You Can't Stop the Beat," the show carries you away. And with all that dancing, you just might want to get up and join the fun.
The second act does slow down a bit. Tracey befriends a black teen. Her intent is to finally integrate television, which she does so single-handedly.
"Hairspray" is a social commentary on the injustices of parts of American society in the 1960s.
Before long, everyone is singing and dancing together.
While Lindsay Simon literally holds the show together, there are many others, a stage full of them, keeping the fun alive.
Robert Pollack as Tracey's mother, a part originated by Harvey Fierstein, is wonderful. She's a washerwoman married to an inventive husband played quite well by Bob Abelman.
Scene-stealer Alexandria Marzullo plays Tracey's exuberant best friend Penny.
Jen Justice's choreography is spectacular, her dances never stop, and Carol Crawford's 1960s-style costumes are just right. Set designer Edmund Wolff has placed the orchestra behind the performers, giving the set an artistic appearance and allowing the stage to be full of dancers.
The usual teen complexes help keep the slim plot moving. Also refreshing is the enjoyable mix of dancers.
The original Broadway production of "Hairspray" opened in August of 2002 and won eight Tony Awards out of 13 nominations. It ran for 2,500 performances, closing in January 2009. If there were local Tony Awards, the CVLT production would surely be a winner.
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