Hairspray: A Theatrical Review
Alright, it’s official, Musical Theatre West has definitely done it again – a MASSIVE success on stage at the Carpenter Theatre in Long Beach with their current production of Hairspray!
Hairspray is a production that has earned its own type of cult like following. Throughout the country when this production hits a stage, people flock (many usually dressed as the characters of the show) to see it. This production has proven to be just as successful as the Broadway production that made Ricki Lake and Harvey Fierstein famous.
There were simply no bad performances, and every actor was exceptional. My major applause for this production goes out to Jim J. Bullock for an exceptional portrayal of Edna Turnblad, the heavy-set mother who has always longed for something greater in life but doesn’t find the gumption to pursue it until her daughter literally forces her into it. Also to Victoria Morgan who heads the cast as Tracy Turnblad, and seems to understand the character so well, that the audience never contemplates what it took for her to understand this character. I applaud Tracy Lore who portrays Velma Von Tussle so well that the movie of the same name would have been better with her than it was with Michelle Pfeiffer. I applaud Derek Kena who portrays Link Larkin (with exceptional dancing skills) well enough to find himself on any Broadway stage in the near future. And finally to eleven year old Chyka Jackson portraying Little Inez with such expertise and power that one would have to check her identification to be certain she is actually only eleven.
An exceptional cast for a wonderful production that was seamless (not even the few minor technical issues the show had on its opening night were noticeable) from beginning to end, and carried an energy that caused most of the audience members to leave the auditorium singing their favorite song from the show or showing off their own dancing skills to their friends. This is what theatre is supposed to be, entertaining, educational, enticing, and truly mesmerizing. Excellent Job to all!!!
Hairspray is playing at the Carpenter Center for the Performing Arts, presented by Musical Theatre West, through November 13, 2011. The theatre is located at 4350 E. 7th Street in Long Beach, CA 90804, and tickets for the program can be purchased at the box office, ordered on line at www.musical.org, or by phone at 562-856-1999 x4.
Enjoy!
Randall Gray
The California Theatre Critic
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