Confessions of a ‘Hairspray’ virgin
Apr 27th, 2008 by Rosemary
This just in from my colleague Emily Young:
So before last night, I was a ‘Hairspray’ virgin. I did see television ads for last summer’s silver screen revival (seriously, no one could stop the beat with those hourly TV commercials). And sure, I grew up in the era of Ricki Lake. But somehow I had never seen the movie, the musical, or really even used the styling product. All that changed Friday when I saw the theatrical performance at The Wang Theatre with my husband.
For other virgins, here’s the synopsis: Plus-sized teen Tracy decides to audition for the Miss Teenage Hairspray 1962 contest, to be aired on The Corny Collins Show. Despite being teased at the broadcast studio about her weight, Tracy lands a spot as a regular on the dance show.
Meanwhile, she befriends several black students at school and decides to use her new-found fame for equality. The overnight sensation leads a protest — which turns into a riot — in hopes that black and white students can dance together on television. Arrests are made and an incarcerated Tracy is eventually rescued by her boyish love interest. The curtain closes with Tracy claiming victory in the beauty contest and everyone — black and white, fat and thin, young and old — dance together in the final number, because “You Can’t Stop the Beat.”
Across the board, the peppy cast sounded great. This is particularly impressive because a leaflet in my program identified seven new cast members and three additional names were announced just before the curtain rose. All the voices were strong, the dancing was energetic and the characters were charismatic.
The first act featured one upbeat ditty after another that truly engaged both me and my husband. A part of me wishes we had left at intermission, as the second act — though short — got a little bogged down in the story line. Also, a pronounced hum from the theater’s speakers was more than a bit distracting. But the cast bounced back with an contagious finale, leaving more than one audience member dancing in their seats. Literally. I think it’s called The Monkey…
If You Go
What: Hairspray
Where: The Wang Theatre, Boston
When: Saturday, April 26, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, April 27, 1 and 7 p.m.
How: Tickets $32 to $72. For more information, go to www.citicenter.org.
