Hairspray is abrfun, boisterous musical focused on teenager Tracy Turnblad’s pursuit of getting cast on a localbrdance show in the ’60s, and then later integrating that show into herbrsegregated community. Though the show deals with some heavy issues, thebrjoyfulness of this musical cannot be overstated.
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With social justice and body positivity themesbrthroughout, this show still manages to serve up some delightfully goofybrcharacters who belt out toe-tapping songs while delivering energeticbrchoreography that keeps the audience engaged and entertained. The colorful andbrversatile set is a master class in set design.
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Though the entire cast was well-received, thebrcrowd erupted in enthusiastic applause when Andrew Levitt first appeared onbrstage as Tracy’s mother, Edna. Levitt’s comedic timing and stage presence demonstrate his years spent onbrBroadway and his lengthy career as the beloved drag queen, Nina West. WheneverbrLevitt was on stage, all eyes were on Edna.
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The show ran just under three hours, including abrbrief intermission before Act 2. And while the intermission was nice forbrstretching our legs, we didn’t understand that it was probably to prepare us emotionally for thebrpowerful I Know Where I’ve Been, an emotional song deliveredbrmasterfully by Asabi Goodman as Motormouth Maybelle and Company. The numberbrmoved more than one audience member to leap to their feet in applause at itsbrconclusion.
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Hairspray is anbramusing, energetic show featuring a talented cast and a marvelous orchestra.brSome mature themes are mentioned in this show, but most of the raunchy jokesbrwill likely go right over the heads of younger audience members. Bringing kidsbrto watch Hairspray will not only prove entertaining, but might alsobrprompt some important discussions about social equality and body image—and willbrabsolutely get some songs stuck in your head.
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Performances run through Saturday, June 11th.brFor tickets and more information, visit o-pa.org/
