It’s not often you’ll see a musical and have nothing but good things to say about it. The current production of “Hairspray” at Theatre by the Sea is that rare exception.
In the first ten minutes, you’re treated to high-octane production numbers with “Good Morning, Baltimore” and “Nicest Kids in Town,” and you can’t help wonder, can they keep up the pace? The answer: yes, they can and yes, they do!
“Hairspray” is based on the 1988 John Waters film. The musical won eight Tony Awards in 2003, including Best Musical. Set in Baltimore in 1962, the show focuses on Tracy Turnblad (Niki Metcalf), an energetic teen who dreams of dancing on the Corny Collins Show. Think a local version of Dick Clark’s “Bandstand.” My apologies if you have to Google that.
She’s also in love with one of the show’s heartthrob teens, Link Larkin (Dominic Young). It’s more teenage infatuation, until she actually meets him. Tracy lives with her mom, Edna (Marc Christopher) and dad, Wilbur (Kevin B McGlynn). Edna, also a plus-size woman, works as a laundress while Wilbur runs a joke shop. Wilbur encourages Tracy to shoot for the stars while Edna does what she can to bring Tracy and her dreams back to earth.
Determined to ground Tracy are Amber Von Tussle (Dylan Lugosi) and her mother, Velma (Ginger Kroll), producer of the Corny Collins Show. Tracy simply doesn’t fit Velma’s image of the perfect teen, especially after Tracy states she would definitely swim in an integrated pool.
Integration is a major theme in “Hairspray,” focusing on the racial inequities of the day. For instance, Black participants in the Corny Collins Show are limited to a once-monthly appearance on “Negro Day.” There are lessons here for today. It’s 60-plus years later, and a lot of the issues remain – or rather, have returned.
“I Know Where I’ve Been,” a show-stopping tune in the second act, delivered perfectly by Motormouth Maybelle (Alana Cauthen), speaks to the troubles, then and now. It earned thunderous applause.
All things considered, this is a superlative performance. My theater companion – okay, my wife – said it’s the best show she’s ever seen at Theatre by the Sea. I must agree.
So many wonderful moments, it’s impossible to name them all. But we must highlight a few.
Metcalf’s Turnblad is spot-on. She has the benefit of having played the role in a national tour of the show, but she is perfect.
Christopher’s Edna is so engaging, he’s impossible to ignore. For the uninitiated, the role is traditionally played by a man, having been originated in Waters’ film by the drag queen Divine. Harvey Fierstein played Edna in the original Broadway production, winning a Tony.
Madeline Glave, playing Penny Pingleton, and Sam Yousuf, playing Seaweed, are perfect as the show’s interracial couple, and they stand out as part of “Without Love.”
And here’s a tip of the hat to the Dynamites, played by Moriah J. Baskett, Indya Cherise, and Daisy Wilson-Dzogbe. They step forward as a trio in a couple of songs but are especially good in “Welcome to the 60s.”
The show’s director and choreographer, Christopher Campbell, has created a spectacular show that will keep you smiling from the opening overture to the finales. “Hairspray” is a great summer show that you should get to see.
“Hairspray” runs through August 16 at Theatre by the Sea. For tickets and information, visit www.theatrebythesea.com or call the box office at 401.782.TKTS.