Review: CLO's 'Hairspray' delights in good vibes, humor
By Alice T. Carter, PITTSBURGH TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
"Hairspray" is a musical about big hair, big hips and big hearts.
The Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera production that runs through Aug. 1 adds a fourth "H": a big hit.
The animated, energized cast, swiftly paced directing and lively dance numbers create a show that sparkles with good vibes and abundant humor.
The musical adaptation of John Waters' 1988 cult film returns to 1962 Baltimore, when televised teenage dance-party shows were the equivalent of reality TV, bouffant hair was literally and figuratively big, and racial segregation was legally enforced.
The story follows Tracy Turnblad, a chubby teen whose ambitions are to dance on the Corny Collins show and win the heart of its teen idol star, Link Larkin. But Tracy's sense of justice is even bigger than her ambitions. She willingly risks losing Link and her spot on the show as she fights to win the rights of blacks to dance alongside their white peers.
Director and choreographer Barry Ivan wisely has packed his cast of 29 with at least 10 performers who previously performed the musical on Broadway or elsewhere.
That prior experience lends depth and polish to many of the lead roles, most notably those of Katrina Rose Dideriksen as the perky, principled and fearless Tracy Turnblad; Paul Vogt as Tracy's outspoken, doublewide-sized mother, Edna; Jim J. Bullock as Tracy's dad, Wilbur; Niki Scalera as Tracy's nerdy but loyal friend Penny; and Ashley Spencer as Tracy's vapid rival, Amber Von Tussle.
There's a particularly nice rapport between Vogt and Bullock as Tracy's affectionate parents that made their duet "(You're) Timeless to Me" a big hit with the opening-night audience.
Also notable: Luba Mason who brings a Cruella de Ville zest for evil to her role as Velma Von Tussle, producer of the Corny Collins show and Amber's mother. And Kecia Lewis-Evans as the big voiced Motormouth Maybelle who cuts loose with two spirited, inspirational songs "Big, Blonde & Beautiful" and "I Know Where I've Been"
Nor should we ignore two versatile performers: Stuart Marland creates a trio of distinct individuals as show sponsor Harriman F. Spritzer, plus-size dress shop owner Mr. Pinky, and the high school principal. And Madeleine Doherty delightfully mines the comedy in her roles as Penny's intolerant mother, a no-nonsense gym teacher, and an authoritative matron at the local lockup.
Michael Kadin Craig plays a properly bland and decent Link Larkin, Tracy's love interest.
Former 98 Degrees singer and "Dancing with the Stars" champion and co-host Drew Lachey appears as Corny Collins.
The show does possess two obvious disappointments, however.
The show's ensemble of talented, well-rehearsed dancers might indeed be, as their song proclaims, "The Nicest Kids in Town," but they look a tad mature to be representing high schoolers.
More confusing is Tracy's petite presence. What makes Tracy the sympathetic outsider we root for is her plus-size figure. Attempts to plump up Dideriksen with some lumpy, below-the-waist padding do not disguise or fill out her obviously svelte body. The result is that the numerous nasty references about her girth puzzle more than they sting.
Lending sparkle, color and interest to the show are sets by David Rockwell and costumes by William Ivey Long, whose designs were used in the 2002 original Broadway production.
Providing a snippet or two of American history, an abundance of good-willed humor and lively, upbeat music, "Hairspray" delights.