#1
Posted: 10/4/05 at 3:52pm
My mother's in town and the show that she and her friend wanted to see FOR SURE was Hairspray. I was a little hesitant; mainly because I prefer serious pieces to fluffier ones, but I was wowed and on a Sunday afternoon at that.
My only serious criticism is that the show sounded a little muddy--I had a hard time understanding the words in several of the numbers and the whole production could use a little tightening and focus.
Having said that, I thought it was one of the most fun and imaginative shows I had seen in a while--touches like the scurrying rats, Tracy's profile on the jail door, and the opening with Tracy in bed. I thought it was visually arresting, almost so much that I couldn't possibly take in all the activity and scenic elements.
I thought the costumes, makeup and hair were all terrific as well--I especially like the prison matron's stockings with the sequined seams. The attention to detail and fullness of this production impresses for sure.
Shannon Durig was a great Tracy--she seemed to run out of steam toward the end, but she projected such ease and honesty as Tracy, that it didn't bother me much. I thought her dancing was pretty good as well. John Pinette was a little more hit or miss with Edna. I have nothing with which to comapre his performance, but I can see how Harvey could triumph in the role. He did a fabulous job in "Timeless to Me," having some fun with a first-rate Stephen DeRosa and the audience. Pinette was very convincing as a woman, and seemed to embody Enda's growing self-acceptance.
I mentioned DeRosa before, and he was outstanding. Part Groucho, part Bill Nye, he typified to me the Broadway pro. I have no doubt he is quite good in everything he does.
I enjoyed Darlene Love as Motormouth. I think she has trouble with what to do with her hands sometimes, but other than some nit-picky actor things, I thought she was quite effective and most of the audience loved her--her voice was first-rate and she looked fantastic.
But my favorites were Chester Gregory II as Seaweed and Tracy Miller as Penny. Gregory was also a broadway pro, debut or not--i found him to be the most believable character in the show. He was also my favorite dancer. And Miller is a very talented comedienne that reminded me of a Molly Shannon or a Beth Howland. She almost stole the show.
I was a little disappointed with Julie Halston and Barbara Walsh. I had always heard how funny halston was, but I think I would have preferred Jackie Hoffman or PLEASE GOD Amy Sedaris. Walsh was good, but I guess I wanted more from her--but it was a matinee, so what do I want?
Needless to say, I was moved to tears and many laughs. I know I'm the last one here who hadn't seen the show, but I thought I'd put in my two cents anyway.
My only serious criticism is that the show sounded a little muddy--I had a hard time understanding the words in several of the numbers and the whole production could use a little tightening and focus.
Having said that, I thought it was one of the most fun and imaginative shows I had seen in a while--touches like the scurrying rats, Tracy's profile on the jail door, and the opening with Tracy in bed. I thought it was visually arresting, almost so much that I couldn't possibly take in all the activity and scenic elements.
I thought the costumes, makeup and hair were all terrific as well--I especially like the prison matron's stockings with the sequined seams. The attention to detail and fullness of this production impresses for sure.
Shannon Durig was a great Tracy--she seemed to run out of steam toward the end, but she projected such ease and honesty as Tracy, that it didn't bother me much. I thought her dancing was pretty good as well. John Pinette was a little more hit or miss with Edna. I have nothing with which to comapre his performance, but I can see how Harvey could triumph in the role. He did a fabulous job in "Timeless to Me," having some fun with a first-rate Stephen DeRosa and the audience. Pinette was very convincing as a woman, and seemed to embody Enda's growing self-acceptance.
I mentioned DeRosa before, and he was outstanding. Part Groucho, part Bill Nye, he typified to me the Broadway pro. I have no doubt he is quite good in everything he does.
I enjoyed Darlene Love as Motormouth. I think she has trouble with what to do with her hands sometimes, but other than some nit-picky actor things, I thought she was quite effective and most of the audience loved her--her voice was first-rate and she looked fantastic.
But my favorites were Chester Gregory II as Seaweed and Tracy Miller as Penny. Gregory was also a broadway pro, debut or not--i found him to be the most believable character in the show. He was also my favorite dancer. And Miller is a very talented comedienne that reminded me of a Molly Shannon or a Beth Howland. She almost stole the show.
I was a little disappointed with Julie Halston and Barbara Walsh. I had always heard how funny halston was, but I think I would have preferred Jackie Hoffman or PLEASE GOD Amy Sedaris. Walsh was good, but I guess I wanted more from her--but it was a matinee, so what do I want?
Needless to say, I was moved to tears and many laughs. I know I'm the last one here who hadn't seen the show, but I thought I'd put in my two cents anyway.
so it sucks you missed his performance. 
