944

Hairspray: Broadway’s Big Fat Musical Comedy Hit was nothing less than engaging when it shimmied and swayed its way to Long Beach’s Terrace Theatre for two nights on May 6 and 7 of stellar performances. Immediately captivating audiences with its opening number “Good Morning Baltimore” all the way through to its final punch with “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” the crowd was seamlessly transported to the 1960s through the quirky life and bouffant-high daydreams of one tenacious teenage girl.

As the musical’s main character, actress Brooklyn Pulver played the whimsical Tracy Turnblad with a lovable and inspiring naivety. From her high-pitched voice to her larger than life hair, Pulver perfectly embodied the rambunctious teen keeping audiences hooked. Whether it was her hilariously anxious convulsions before kissing her crush or her funky hip shaking moves she showed off during detention, Pulver’s believable performance kept the laughs rolling. Another shining star was Jerry O’Boyle as Tracy’s mother, Edna Turnblad. The sarcastic one liners and the baritone banter between her and her daughter set the stage for constant comical highlights. In Pulver and O’Boyle’s pivotal performance of “Welcome to the ‘60s” the high energy, flawless choreography and flamboyant costume designs had the crowd singing and rustling in their seats.

Aside from an incredible cast bringing characters like Seaweed J. Stubbs and Penny Pingleton to life, the transitions between scenes, dialogue and dance were carried out effortlessly also thanks to the unseen stars. Scenic Designer, David Rockwell, and Lighting Designers, Kenneth Posner and Paul Miller, managed to lay amazing backdrops that maintained their own presence without overpowering the actors and action on stage. The fun selection of costumes by Costume Designer Willian Ivey Long added another layer of dimension to the characters by infusing distinctive personalities into individual wardrobes.

NETworks Presentations adaptation of Hairspray is based on the NewLine Cinema film written and directed by John Waters. Part of the 2008-2009 Broadway in Long Beach Season, Hairspray is set in 1960s Baltimore and has a lot more than just comical content carrying out the storyline. Social issues of integration, body image and self esteem boost the musical from a mere anecdote to an empowering depiction of what self-confidence and acceptance can accomplish in one girls life. Unafraid to step outside the standards of the times Tracy Turnbland takes friends, family and audiences on a journey of self-discovery spiced up with some killer dance moves and catchy tunes.

For upcoming shows at The Long Beach Performing Arts Centers Terrace Theatre Plaza, visit www.longbeachcc.com

  Add to Faves