Theater Review
Show
Title =
Hairspray
Genre
=
Musical
Theater/City
=
Stage 1 / Newark
Production
Dates = January
20 – February 4
Prices
= $20
- $22
Rating
=
5 Golden Bridges!
Reviewed
By =
Mauricio Segura
Comments
Bravo!
Bravo! Bravo! Is about all I can say about Stage 1's theater
production of Hairspray. I review approximately 30-40 community
theater shows each year, and have done so for 8 years. I've seen a
lot of great shows, I've seen a lot of flops, but it's rare to see a
show that truly blows me away. The five Golden Bridge rating I'm
giving to Hairspray I have only given to 6 other productions.
Set
in 1962 Baltimore, “Hairspray” follows the life of a typical
lovesick teenager, Tracy Turnblad. The highlight of her and her
friend Penny Pingleton's lives is rushing home from school to watch
the hit Corny Collins Dance Show. A spot soon opens up in the cast
which she auditions for and wins. Once there however, she's
introduced to the true colors of 60's segregation and sets a plan
into motion to change the system and unite communities one side step
and shimmy at a time.
This
show had me tapping my feet from beginning to end, and I was truly
disappointed when it finally ended. The set design, costumes, and
lighting was spot on. And the orchestra with extended pit singers
were simply flawless. Kudos to musical director/conductor Blair
Barret and each talented musician. Major props also goes to
choreographer Kevin Hammond and his team. What they pulled off merits
a standing ovation from the folks down at Glee!
Of
coarse, none of this would work if it wasn't for the cast. And while
I wish I could single out each one since everyone on stage shined,
I'll have to stick with some of the main characters for review length
purposes. Jennifer Gregoire (Tracy Turnblad), was likable in every
way. Great singing, great dancing, great acting, and great persona.
Her portrayal of Tracy was in some ways even better than Nikki
Blonky's portrayal in the movie. Dave Sikula (Edna Turnblad) was
hilarious throughout. His/her duet with Charles Evans (Wilbur
Turnblad), “Timeless to Me”, was a classic and a highlight of the
evening. Rachel L. Jacobs' one-liners and gum chewing made Penny
Pingleton one of the cutest ditsy nerds on any stage. Lastly, but by
far not least, Sherrell-Lee Rogers (Motormouth Maybelle) and
Lavale-William Davis (Seaweed Stubbs) supplied the soul food feast,
while Luke Chapman (Link Larkin), Josh Milbourne (Corny Collins), and
the rest brought it on home.
Hairspray
in Newark is a definite Must-See! Absolutely the best live production
I've seen in over a year. It will only be playing for two more
weekends, so go on down there and enjoy a great night of live
theater. Trust me, you'll be dancing in the aisles!
Hairspray
Friday & Saturday: Jan 27, 28; Feb 3, 4
8:00 p.m.
Sunday, Jan 29
2:30 p.m.
Newark Memorial High School
39375 Cedar Blvd., Newark
(510) 791-0287
www.stage1theatre.org
Students 17 and Under: $10
Adults: $20 - 22
Groups of 15 or more: $18 per person
Friday & Saturday: Jan 27, 28; Feb 3, 4
8:00 p.m.
Sunday, Jan 29
2:30 p.m.
Newark Memorial High School
39375 Cedar Blvd., Newark
(510) 791-0287
www.stage1theatre.org
Students 17 and Under: $10
Adults: $20 - 22
Groups of 15 or more: $18 per person
Also, please check out our listings of over 75 other community theaters throughout the bay at -
http://gbm-theatres.info/live_theatre_main.htm
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See you at the show!
Cheers!!