Theater: Hairspray

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Hairspray

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Set in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1962, Hairspray tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart who has only one passion--to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, "The Corny Collins Show," and overnight is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the program's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do?

If this storyline sounds familiar, it should. It is the musicalization of John Waters' 1988 cult classic starring Ricki Lake and Divine. Book writers Mark O'Donnell and The Producers' Thomas Meehan have crafted a laugh-out-loud funny adaptation. The score by Mark Shaiman and co-lyricist Scott Wittman is filled with several catchy '60's style tunes with clever, often funny, lyrics. These include "Good Morning Baltimore", "Mama, I'm A Big Girl Now", "I Can Hear The Bells" and "Welcome To The '60's". Staging by Jack O'Brien and Jerry Mitchell showcases each cast member's abilities to his/her very best.

Marissa Jaret Winokur leads the cast in the star-making role of Tracy. She effortlessly handles the singing, dancing and dialogue with unbeatable energy. The same is also true of the brilliant Harvey Fierstein who takes on the role of Edna Turnblad, Tracy's mother (played by Divine in the film). Even thought he is in drag, he isn't campy; he plays the role quite sensitively which is commendable. It is impossible to think of anyone replacing him; he is that terrific. Filling out the family unit, Dick Latessa is a warm, lovable Wilbur, Tracy's father. Kerry Butler and Laura Bell Bundy are hysterical as Tracy's best friend and enemy, respectively. Linda Hart makes the most of her throw-away song "Miss Baltimore Crabs" and Mary Bond Davis handles her two anthems with vocal ease. The rest of the cast also scores just about as highly.

Broadway's Tony Award®-winning musical-comedy phenomenon takes you back to 1962 Baltimore, as 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad sets out to dance her way onto TV's most popular show. Can a big girl with big dreams - and even bigger hair! - change the world and still have time to win the boy she loves? This mega-hit is piled bouffant-high with laughter and romance - and enough deliriously tuneful new songs to fill a nonstop platter party. It's the winner of eight 2003 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical. As The New York Times says, "If life were everything it should be, it would be more like Hairspray. It's irresistible!"

Hairspray, playing at the Neil Simon Theatre on 52nd Street, is a hit as big as the hairdos! It is a must see!