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Hairspray

‘Hairspray’ Review – Muse Machine – You Can’t Stop the Joy!

January 14, 2017 By Russell Florence, Jr.

Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan’s 2002 Tony Award-winning musical comedy “Hairspray” is a glorious hit all over again thanks to the Muse Machine’s truly delightful, impressively cast and genuinely crowd-pleasing production continuing through Sunday, Jan. 15 at the Victoria Theatre.

(left to right) Amber Butler (Little Inez), Ana Smith (Penny Pingleton), Mark Antony Howard (Seaweed J. Stubbs), and Kyle Bates (Link Larkin) perform “Run and Tell That” in the Muse Machine’s production of “Hairspray.” (Contributed photo)

“Hairspray” is the arts education organization’s 33rd annual student musical and features 170 Muse students from across the Miami Valley. Based on the 1988 John Waters film of the same name, the show cleverly uses humor and cultural/societal attitudes to examine important and delicate subjects from racism and discrimination to body image and identity in segregated 1962 Baltimore. It speaks volumes that Tracy Turnblad’s fiery quest to integrate “The Corny Collins Show” is bolstered by the African-American community particularly because of the bond shared among them as outsiders. There is a warmhearted appeal in the foundation of “Hairspray,” but it’s hard to ignore Tracy’s tenacious boldness of accomplishing the impossible primarily for the sake of others. It would’ve been easy for co-director Joe Deer and co-director/choreographer Lula Elzy to gloss over some of the prickly paths along Tracy’s journey to avoid ruffling anyone’s feathers. However, sufficient time is spent focusing on the pivotal adversity Tracy endures ultimately allowing her to become a stronger, more confident young woman unafraid to change her world.
Inclusion is a key factor in the storytelling which inherently provides Muse Machine the opportunity to present one of its most terrifically diverse casts. The very endearing, vocally firm Kaite Hubler is spunky and steadfast as the plus-sized Tracy, effortlessly pulling the audience into the action at the outset proclaiming “Good Morning Baltimore.” As Tracy’s devoted yet introverted mom Edna, Muse newcomer Fischer Barnett delivers an utterly believable, breakthrough performance that will be discussed for years to come. Thanks to his marvelously grounded maturity, Barnett (a freshman!) astoundingly interprets Edna’s anxieties, longings, desires, and nuances as her sheltered existence unexpectedly blossoms with fresh possibilities. Jack Lewis, a standout last season in Dayton Playhouse’s “The Diary of Anne Frank” and Dayton Theatre Guild’s “Last Gas,” is wonderfully zany as Tracy’s dad/joke shop proprietor Wilbur, particularly joining Barnett for a lovingly comedic rendition of “Timeless to Me.” As aspiring singer Link Larkin, Tracy’s handsome object of affection and a popular component of “Corny Collins,” Kyle Bates (notably offering a seductively suave rendition of “It Takes Two” hilariously concluding with quick coldness) masters Link’s charming duality as an amusingly square heartthrob. Clare Kneblik as intolerant, unethical “Corny Collins” producer Velma Von Tussle and Lauren Eifert as Velma’s equally malicious daughter Amber are first-rate villainesses and vocalists. Jack Blair is perfectly chipper as forward-thinking showman Corny Collins. Ana Smith, another great vocalist, is a true find and a natural comedienne as Tracy’s goofy best friend Penny Pingleton. As dance-happy Seaweed J. Stubbs, Penny’s boyfriend, Mark Antony Howard electrifies with a fantastically energetic rendition of showstopper “Run and Tell That.” As Seaweed’s mom/R&B music celebrity Motormouth Maybelle, splendidly sassy Kennedy Cook, another knockout Muse newcomer and a dynamic vocalist, brings down the house with a spine-tingling, standing ovation-worthy rendition of the emotional, gospel-infused anthem “I Know Where I’ve Been.” Winning featured portrayals extend to Amber Butler as the plucky Little Inez, Adam Clark as the excitable Mr. Pinky, Jacob Jones as Mr. Spritzer, Mackenzie Wolcott as Prudy Pingleton, Michelle Strauss as Gym Teacher/House of Detention Matron, and Hannah Bradshaw, Mae’Lesha Cooper, Aliya Johnson, Nivella Ochen, and Kiama Wa-Tenza as the elegant, Motown-esque Dynamites soulfully belting “Welcome to the ’60s.” The cute array of “Baltimore Kids” featured in the show is also noteworthy.
In addition, Elzy’s rip-roaring, flavorful choreography authentically and vibrantly captures the spirit and grooves of the 1960s. In fact, there’s a fitting homage to Tina Turner within exuberant finale “You Can’t Stop the Beat.” Tiia E. Torchia’s colorful period costumes (expertly coordinated by Toni Donato Shade and Alisa Vukasinovich), J. Branson’s striking sets, and music director Sean Michael Flowers’ professional-caliber orchestra are added benefits. Missed cues dampened John Rensel’s lighting design and David Sherman’s sound design on opening night but the errors weren’t a major hindrance.
One of the hallmarks of this infectiously joyful “Hairspray” is certainly its scope and size. What a treat to see Muse Machine uniquely fill the entirety of the Victoria stage to make Baltimore look and feel like a credible, thriving city, specifically propelling “Good Morning Baltimore” into one of the finest, excellently active opening numbers the organization has conceived. The impact is on par with longtime Muse director/choreographer Nat Horne’s stylish execution of opener “A Weekend at Hareford” in 1997’s “Me and My Girl.”
Having seen 21 Muse musicals, trust me when I say “Hairspray” is absolutely one of the best. Bravo!

“Hairspray” continues through Jan. 15 at the Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton. Performances are Saturday at 3 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m. Act One: 70 minutes; Act Two: 50 minutes. Tickets are $26-$60. For tickets or more information, call (937) 228-3630 or visit ticketcenterstage.com. The production, produced by Douglas Merk, is dedicated to Michael Kenwood Lippert, Director of the Preschool and Elementary School Program and Program Artist for Muse Machine.

Filed Under: On Stage Dayton Reviews, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Hairspray, Muse Machine

‘Hairspray’ Review – Dayton Playhouse – The Beat Goes On

September 20, 2013 By Russell Florence, Jr. 2 Comments

HAIRSPRAY-1

The cast of the Dayton Playhouse’s production of ‘Hairspray’ (photo by Art Fabian)

After Wright State University staged “Hairspray” in the fall of 2011, I didn’t think any theater troupe in town would touch the show for at least five years. The sheer electricity of that indelible production, which I saw three times, whisked me immediately back to July 26, 2002 when I saw a preview of “Hairspray” on Broadway before the critics heralded it as the hit it was bound to be. Even so, the Dayton Playhouse refreshingly and assuredly steps up to the plate to present a wholeheartedly entertaining version that certainly ranks among the best musicals the organization has produced.
Crisply directed by Tina McPhearson and set in1962 Baltimore, “Hairspray,” winner of eight 2003 Tony Awards including Best Musical, centers on spunky, plus-sized teenager Tracy Turnblad (an innately appealing Tamar Fishbein). Tracy’s humble world changes forever when she joins the merry dance troupe of the local “Corny Collins” TV show. Her lively personality and funky moves helps her catch the attention of the show’s heartthrob Link Larkin (the handsome, sensitive Ben Douglas), but situations escalate when she vows to racially integrate the program.
Fishbein charms throughout as Tracy evolves into a courageous visionary for equality, a key element deftly explored in Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan’s terrific libretto adapted from the 1988 John Waters film of the same name. There are occasional glimpses of exhaustion in her portrayal which diminishes her vocal capacity, but she’s an admirable singer nonetheless, particularly filling the dreamy “I Can Hear the Bells” and the reprise of “Good Morning Baltimore” with great tenderness. Fishbein is also wonderfully supported by Brian Sharp, warmly feminine, affably understanding and very funny as Tracy’s insecure mom Edna, and Jim Lockwood, who delivers one of his finest performances as Tracy’s kooky dad Wilbur. Sharp and Lockwood’s close-knit partnership culminates in a truly effervescent, meaningfully touching version of “Timeless to Me,” composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman’s nod to unwavering love.
An assortment of excellent featured turns are given by reliable triple threat Desmond Thomas as Seaweed J. Stubbs, knockout vocalist Crystal Williams as Motormouth Maybelle, the absolutely dynamic Kelli Locker as Velma Von Tussle (on par with Linda Hart who originated the role), the spirited Dean Swann as Corny Collins, the amiable Amanda Carter as Amber Von Tussle, the magnetic Amber Butler as Little Inez, the versatile Marabeth Klejna and Rod Wood in multiple roles, and an utterly hilarious Tori Kocher in a breakthrough performance as Tracy’s zany best friend Penny Pingleton.
The cohesive, sunny ensemble, energetically executing Annette Looper’s choreography flavorfully capturing the period, consists of Naman Clark, Malcolm DeSean Casey, Erica Savage, Sydney Thomas, Alyssia Blake, Andrew Reese Tomlinson, Alissa Peppo, Paige Combs, Daveed Abrams, Andrew Wood, Allison Eder, James Branham, Melanie Barrett and Zack Conway.
McPhearson’s impressive technical team includes scenic designer Chris Newman (colorfully recalling David Rockwell’s original work), costume/wig designers Steve Burton and Tim Grewe, and lighting designer Anita Bachmann. Musical director Judy Mansky leads a firm orchestra particularly accented by the skillfulness of drummer Thomas Varner.
Attempting a character-specific, ensemble-driven show like “Hairspray” is a huge undertaking for a community theater, but the Playhouse effortlessly rises to the occasion. Long before the cast says goodbye with the infectious “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” one of only a few songs in contemporary musical theater to live in the pop culture mainstream, you’ll be glad “Hairspray” returned with unbridled glee.

 

“Hairspray” continues through Sept. 22 at the Dayton Playhouse, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave., Dayton. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Act One: 75 minutes; Act Two: 55 minutes. Tickets are $17 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. For tickets or more information, call (937) 424-8477 or visit www.daytonplayhouse.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: On Stage Dayton, On Stage Dayton Previews, On Stage Dayton Reviews Tagged With: Dayton Playhouse, Hairspray

Coming up in Dayton Theatre, 9/20 – 9/29

September 19, 2013 By Sarah Caplan Leave a Comment

Hello again! Welcome back and hello! We’ve got three good shows closing this weekend, a couple still running and one getting ready to open. Let’s get right on stage.

Closing This Weekend!

 

Hairspray!

Dayton Playhouse
hairspray-the-musicalThe Skinny: This high-spirited musical musical takes place in 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland. Teenager, Tracy Turnblad, dreams of dancing on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight. She then launches a campaign to integrate the show. The show deals with injustices of parts of American society in the 1960’s.
Dates: Hairspray runs this weekend, closing Sunday, 9/22.
Tickets: Please visit the Dayton Playhouse website at www.daytonplayhouse.com

Hair

Beavercreek Community Theatre

hairThe Skinny: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical!This show introduced America to the “Rock musical”, with songs that became standards, such as “The Age Of Aquarius” and “Easy To Be Hard.” Hair focuses on a “tribe” of hippies, touching on several different individual stories, woven throughout with the tragedy of the Vietnam conflict.
Dates: Hairs also closes this weekend, Sunday 9/22.
Tickets: Please visit www.bctheatre.org

First Baptist of Ivy Gap

ivygap_logoThe Skinny: During WWII, six women gather at the church to roll bandages and plan the church’s 75th anniversary. Overseeing things is Edith, the pastor’s wise-cracking wife who dispenses Red Cross smocks and witty repartee to Luby, whose son is fighting in the Pacific; Mae Ellen, the church’s rebellious organist who wants to quit but hasn’t the courage; Olene, who dreams of a career in Hollywood; Sammy, a shy newcomer with a secret; and Vera, an influential Baptist with a secret of her own. When Luby learns her son has been wounded, she confounds the others by blaming the vulnerable Sammy. Twenty-five years later, our “First Baptist Six” reunite!

Dates: Closing Sunday, 9/22

Tickets: To make ticket reservations, please call the Brookville Flower Shop at 937-833-3531

Opening This Weekend!

Harvey

harveyThe Wright State Theatre Company
The Skinny: Elwood P. Dowd is an endlessly pleasant & delightfully eccentric bachelor living in a small town that isn’t quite aware that its newest citizen is a 6’3″ white rabbit named “Harvey,” that only certain people can see.
Dates: Harvey opens Thursday, 9/19 and runs through 9/29
Tickets: Please visit the WSU Theatre Department box office website: http://www.wright.edu/theatre-dance-and-motion-pictures/performances/ticket-information

Currently In Production

Becky’s New Car

The Human Race Theatre Company

ndbeckyThe Skinny: Becky Foster is stuck in neutral—middle aged, in middle management and a middling marriage—until an honest misunderstanding with a wealthy widower offers her the chance at an exciting double life…and she takes it. Now she’s frantically juggling to keep her two worlds apart before everything threatens to come crashing down on her. It’s enough to drive Becky off a cliff, and she’s taking the audience along for the ride!

Dates: Running through the 29th.
Tickets: Please visit the Human Race Theatre Company website at www.humanracetheatre.org

A Mighty Fortress Is Our Basement

La Comedia Dinner Theatre

lacomedia-mighty-fortressThe Skinny: The fourth installment in the popular Church Basement Ladies series takes place in 1960, and reformation is underway. The Church Basement Ladies are once again required to face chance head-on, but they will stand strong in their faith and their friendships.

Dates: Closing 10/27.

Tickets: Please visit the La Comedia website at www.lacomedia.com

Filed Under: On Stage Dayton, The Featured Articles Tagged With: Beavercreek Community Theatre, Brian Sharp, Brookville Community Theatre, Dayton Playhouse, dayton theatre, hair, Hairspray, Human Race Theatre Company, la comedia dinner theatre, musicals, wright state theatre department, wright state university

Coming Up In Dayton Theatre, 9/5 – 9/22

September 4, 2013 By Sarah Caplan Leave a Comment

Welcome back! Has everyone had a good and fulfilling summer? I sure have. But I’m ready to jump back into Dayton’s exciting theatre scene.

Closing This Weekend!

45 Seconds From Broadway

ju4jrz0trfesodmdeu5ipeotavk2686eThe Skinny: Neil Simon’s 2001 Broadway-based comedy takes place in the Polish Tea Room, a haunt of Broadway-types in general, and comedian Mickey Fox in specific.Taking place over the course of 1 year (4 scenes, 4 seasons), this story follows Mickey and his friends as they do all those play things; live, laugh, love and learn.

Dates: 45 Seconds closes this weekend. Friday, 9/6 at 8, Saturday 9/7 at 5 and Sunday 9/8 at 3.

Tickets: For ticket information, please visit the Dayton Theatre Guild website, www.daytontheatreguild.com

Opening This Weekend!

Hairspray

hairspray-the-musicalThe Dayton Playhouse

The Skinny: This high-spirited musical musical takes place in 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland. Teenager, Tracy Turnblad, dreams of dancing on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight. She then launches a campaign to integrate the show. The show deals with injustices of parts of American society in the 1960’s.

Dates: Hairspray opens this Friday, 9/6 and runs 3 weekends, closing on Sunday, 9/22.

Tickets: For ticketing information, please see the Dayton Playhouse website, www.daytonplayhouse.com

A Mighty Fortress Is Our Basement

lacomedia-mighty-fortressLa Comedia Dinner Theatre

The Skinny: The fourth installment in the popular Church Basement Ladies series takes place in 1960, and reformation is underway. The Church Basement Ladies are once again required to face chance head-on, but they will stand strong in their faith and their friendships.

Dates: This show opens Thursday, 9/5 and runs through 10/27.

Tickets: For information regarding tickets, schedule and menu, please visit La Comedia’s website at www.lacomedia.com

 

Opening Next Weekend!

Becky’s New Car

ndbeckyThe Human Race Theatre Company

The Skinny: Becky Foster is stuck in neutral—middle aged, in middle management and a middling marriage—until an honest misunderstanding with a wealthy widower offers her the chance at an exciting double life…and she takes it. Now she’s frantically juggling to keep her two worlds apart before everything threatens to come crashing down on her. It’s enough to drive Becky off a cliff.

Dates: Becky debuts Thursday, 9/12 and runs through Sunday, 9/29.

Tickets: For ticketing information, please visit www.humanracetheatre.org

Hair

hairBeavercreek Community Theatre

The Skinny: The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical!This show introduced America to the “Rock musical”, with songs that became standards, such as “The Age Of Aquarius” and “Easy To Be Hard.” Hair focuses on a “tribe” of hippies, touching on several different individual stories, woven throughout with the tragedy of the Vietnam conflict.
Dates: Hair opens next weekend, 9/13 and closes 9/22.
Tickets: For ticketing information, please visit the BCT website at www.bctheatre.org

 

First Baptist of Ivy Gap

cjlijq5u8l1joxq42wlzoksfaadhwo7eBrookville Community Theatre

The Skinny: More Church ladies! During WWII, six women gather at the church to roll bandages and plan the church’s 75th anniversary. Overseeing things is Edith, the pastor’s wise-cracking wife who dispenses Red Cross smocks and witty repartee to Luby, whose son is fighting in the Pacific; Mae Ellen, the church’s rebellious organist who wants to quit but hasn’t the courage; Olene, who dreams of a career in Hollywood; Sammy, a shy newcomer with a secret; and Vera, an influential Baptist with a secret of her own. When Luby learns her son has been wounded, she confounds the others by blaming the vulnerable Sammy. Twenty-five years later, our “First Baptist Six” reunite!

Dates: Opening Friday, 9/12 and running through 9/22.

Tickets: To make ticket reservations, please call the Brookville Flower Shop at 937-833-3531

 

 

 

Filed Under: On Stage Dayton, On Stage Dayton Previews Tagged With: Brian Sharp, Brookville Community Theatre, dayton community theatre, Dayton Playhouse, Dayton Theatre Guild. Neil Simon, dinner theatre, Downtown Dayton, hair, Hairspray, Human Race Theatre Company, La Commedia, Rock Musical, Saul Caplan

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