HAIRSPRAY!!!!!

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 8/16/03 at 2:57pm

I finally got to see it last night, and it was one of the best shows I've ever seen. It's phenomenal- here's my review: For those of you who haven't seen it yet- this review is a spoiler. Go see it- than, you could read my review-hehe.
The show opened with "Good Morning Baltimore"- the minute I saw Kathy Brier, I knew she would be good, and when she began to sing, and I immediately fell in love with her. Could this girl get any cuter? She's absolutely adorable! And she could sing so well. I loved the vertical bed, too. After the opening song, we went straight into "The Nicest Kids in Town". This was the scene that introduced Penny- it was so funny when she ran after her saying "I'm Coming, Tracy, but I'm not allowed to perspire!" Hahaha! Than, we met Edna. There was thunderous applause after Harvey's first line, and he was hysterical with Jackie Hoffman. Then, the song finished, and since Adam Fleming was on for Link, I was dying to see his part in roll caLL So I could get a good view of him. He was a really good looking guy- perfect for Link. The choreography was amazing, too. I was suprised. The song ended, and Penny left, and than we started the intro to "Mama I'm a Big Girl Now", with the three mother/daughter pairs coming out. I liked Prudy's "When they locate your father, he'll deal with you!" line- it was something like that. And then they sang the song, which was a highlight of the show for me. Jennifer Gamabtese and Tracy Jai Edwards could SING! And than of course, was the magnificent Kathy Brier. The three of them were excellent. Not to mention the great Shoshana Bean solo- which floored me. It was a true thrill to see that girl live. The next scene was the audition. I LOVED the staging to "I Can Hear The Bells". How everyone froze, and then they broke out with the bells and flowers, and the table turned into the organ, and the wedding procession, and Edna crying-lol- I loved it. And I was impressed with how, by the end of the scene, everyone was in the exact same spots as they were before. Awesome. I also loved Penny's wandering around, banging her head bit. And than, Velma sang "Miss Baltimore Crabs" which was great. Barbara Walsh can SING! I liked her more than Linda Hart. She was so funny, and she belted the hell out of that song. I was impressed. After that scene was when Tracy went home and had her little "Why do they have to be so mean? I keep up with all the lates fashions" speech. I was in love with her all over again. . Kathy Brier was too perfect. Than, there was the Detention scene, which was great. I could tell right away Chester Gregory was a dynamite dancer. He had great chemistry with Kathy. Than, there was the Madison scene. I loved the balloons over the stage scenery- and Lil Inez was SO cute, with her "Why do we always have to dance in the back?" line. I loved her. Up next was the "The Nicest Kids in Town" reprise with Tracy, and I loved Edna's reaction when Penny showed her that Tracy was on TV. Than, Adam Fleming sang "It Takes Two". He has a gorgeous voice. He also looked great, and when Tracy joined him at the end, I couldn't stop laughing. Kathy was the best. After that, Barbara Walsh sang the reprise of "Miss Baltimore Crabs". She belted the hell out of the song. I was really impressed. She was perfect, and the song seemed to be written for her. The next scene was "Welcome to the 60's", but the dialogue before that in the house with Tracy and Edna was hysterical. And the song was great. And the little reprise with the ad lib by the dynamites blew the roof, especially Shayna Steele. Damn, she's good! The next scene was the gym scene which was funny, because this was the part where Penny met Seaweed-lol, and when Link asks Tracy out. "You're beautiful when you're unconcious"-lol- and then the bells rang. I was dying! And don;t forget Jackie Hoffman as the Gym Teacher! Than, Chester did "Run and Tell That". That man has talent like you wouldnt believe. His dancing was unbelievable. He jumped off the record stand, and did like 4 splits in a row on the floor. The scenery for this scene was awesome, too. That light board in the backround was such an awesome idea. It added so much. I loved Amber and Velma's entrance after that- "Link, what are you doing in this crown of minorities?"-lol. And one of the funniest parts in the show was after Edna enetered, and Velma went "So you're the one that spawned that thing!", and Harvey turns around and goes "Excuse Me?" in the lowest, deepest, raspiest, scariest voice ever. Than, he went to Tracy- "Darling, hold Mommy's waffles". I was hysterical! I loved Motormouth's " Big, Blonde and Beautiful". I expected her to be a powerhouse, and she was! That song ended Act One.
Than we began Act 2 with "The BIg Dollhouse". I've always loved this song on the CD, but it was so funny live, especially with the tapping, which was totally unexpected, and the part where Harvey sings "Well it's just us girls in the big dollhouse". Than, Wilbur came to bail everyone out, and I loved Kathy's "Good Morning Baltimore Reprise". She really can sing so well. Than, we went to the Har-de-Har Hut, where Edna and Wilbur sang "Your Timeless To Me". THAT WAS SOO FUNNY. Especially the reprise- "Shabbat Shalom"-lol. They got huge applause. But the next scene was my favorite scene in the show- "Without Love". Adam Fleming and Kathy Brier had suprisingly great chemistry, and I loved the way Jen Gamabtese said "My Mother's punishing me for going to jail without permission". It wasn't like damsel in distress- the way Kerry did it- it was more like imitating her, which was unexpected, and very funny. The light board had great designs, and I loved the couples in the backround. Jen Gambatese was extremely impressive with her singing in this song, in particular. I loved her. She was a great replacement. Than was "I Know Where I've Been", which was pretty powerful. Mary Bond Davis floored the house. The next scene was the final one. Starting off with Hairspray- which was cute, and than Amber sang "Cooties". Tracy Jai Edwards was great. And finally, our finale! "You Can't Stop The Beat" was of course show stopping and high energy! I loved it! I also loved when Jacie Hoffman walked though the aisle to get to the stage. She carried a flashlight, turned to the audience and went "I'm not getting stuck last last night- I cam prepared!"-LOL! Than, they finished the song. And that finished up the best show on Earth!- hehe. Afterwards I met everyone except Barbara Walsh who walked out, right past everyone. Anyway- I told Jen Gambatese I saw her in Fame, and she was so nice about it, I told her she was fabulous, and I'm coming back to see her, and she's like "Here's something for you", and she lit up her Hairspray cap-lol. Than, I told Tracy Jai Edwards she was gorgeous-lol. She was kinda taken aback, but she was sweet. They are all so nice. I loved them all. Even Little Aja-hehe.
And that's my review. It was an unforgettable night. Go see the show!

[Amneris]

Posted: 8/16/03 at 3:00pm

see the girl at the front merch booth right when you come in? That was me hehe..Im glad you enjoyed yourself. Updated On: 8/16/03 at 03:00 PM

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 8/16/03 at 3:09pm

I SAW YOU! You waled out in the very beginning. I saw you. I was the short, cubby kid who was one of the first people to buy a program from you outside. I was with the little girl- my 9 year old sister.

[Hello Gorgeous]

Posted: 8/16/03 at 3:51pm

I'm so glad you had a good time at the show! I'm trying to get into the city to see it, and so many other shows haha

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 8/16/03 at 4:00pm

I would love to see Adam as Link!! I can't wait to see the show! Does Jackie always come down the aisle at the end? I love when actors make jokes of stuff like that! BillyLawlor, where did you sit? Did Jackie pass you? Does she always carry the flashlight or was that part of the joke?

Updated On: 8/16/03 at 04:00 PM

[MusicalDirector109]

Posted: 8/16/03 at 4:12pm

The first time I saw the show, I felt something under my leg. I was in THE first row on the aisle and it was Jackie Hoffman under my legs. This show is FABULOUS !!! Can't wait to see it with the new cast!! The original ensemble WAS PERFECTION!!!!

[MusicalDirector109]

Posted: 8/16/03 at 4:12pm

The first time I saw the show, I felt something under my leg. I was in THE first row on the aisle and it was Jackie Hoffman under my legs. This show is FABULOUS !!! Can't wait to see it with the new cast!! The original ensemble WAS PERFECTION!!!!

[Hello Gorgeous]

Posted: 8/16/03 at 4:15pm

Wow I wish I could've seem the original cast...

[PennyLou]

Posted: 8/16/03 at 4:45pm

The first time I saw it was the 23rd 3 days after Kerry and Corey and them left but as soon as that drum beat started i know i was going to be in love with the show. Then I went back and Saw Marissa's last show It was so amazing from the 7th row OMG I love it i can't wait to see it again.

[Amneris]

Posted: 8/16/03 at 5:02pm

hehe I was inside selling stuff inside! You were with a little girl and she asked me how much the tanks were?

[BrdwyThtr]

Posted: 8/16/03 at 5:20pm

What do you mean Jen "lit up" her cap?

[BillyLawlor]

Posted: 8/16/03 at 5:21pm

I think she may have- but damn- I don't remember what anyone looked like inside. I thought that you were definitely the girl selling programs. I was sitting in Row R in the mezzanine, but I was center. So, she didn't pass me, but I saw and heard her hysterical entrance. And the cap Jen was wearing was Blue and it said Hairspray, and when you press button, the letters lit up and started flashing. That's what I meant. Updated On: 8/16/03 at 05:21 PM

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 8/16/03 at 7:53pm

Ah, one more singing the praises of teh powerhouse cast at the neil Simon and one more person who doesn't think I am nuts when I say that Adam Fleming is not only adorable, but a wonderful performer as well who can really standout in a cast like Hairspray's. :)

[cabarethed]

Posted: 8/17/03 at 1:49am

Amneris, I don't know how often you work there...but if you're the girl who let me exchange my CD back in February b/c the liner was completely screwed up (even though I didn't buy it at the theatre), THANK YOU!! (not like you'd remember). Best customer service.

[Amneris]

Posted: 8/17/03 at 11:17am

I remember doing that for a couple of people because i know stores can be rude and wont exchange them so if we have the extra cds... it's not a problem!

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 8/17/03 at 11:29am

I would like to applaud Billy Lawlor for the effort that he put in to describe what it was he specifically liked about Hairspray.

Posted: 8/17/03 at 5:18pm

I am not ashamed to go on record as thoroughly disliking HAIRSPRAY.

My seat cost me $25 bucks, it was in the last row of the Mezzanine so I had a full view of the stage. I was surrounded by quite overweight people all eating their way through junk food from plastic bags.

Hated the songs. Hated the costumes. Hated the silly plot. Hated the actress. Hated the movie. Damn, even Harvey got on my nerves.

I have a good ear for melody and not one song, not even a snippit, stayed in my memory. The only number I enjoyed was the vaudeville one with Harvey and what's his name.

Yes, I hated that show, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.

Yours for a better Broadway!

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 8/17/03 at 9:26pm

Explain yourself other than "I was surrounded by quite overweight people all eating their way through junk food from plastic bags," please.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 8/17/03 at 9:29pm

heaven fobid that overweight people show up to a show with a message that you can be overweight and beautiful.

[Kicks8567]

Posted: 8/19/03 at 6:41pm

Okay, first I wanna say that the show is absolutely AMAZING. I have seen the show four timesalready, and can't wait to see it with Kathy Brier. Next, Amneris, I had tickets for the 15th, but couldn't make it in to the city, they told me about pass dates. They didn't really explain too much, so if you have any information on that, I'd really LOVE it if you coudl sare since you work at the theater.

Thanks a bunch
-Kris

Posted: 8/19/03 at 7:05pm

I believe my statement was clearly written.

Yours for a better Broadway!

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 8/19/03 at 8:02pm

It's been a while since I've seen it, but can someone please tell me what Shoshana's solo line is in "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now"

[popcultureboy]

Posted: 8/20/03 at 11:02am

Is anyone ANYONE AT ALL surprised that Broadway Bulldog disliked a show that is just pure entertainment, good camp fun (but with a serious message)? I am not ashamed to go on record to say that I am not surprised at all.

Instead of constantly bashing every show ever on here and signing off with "Yours for a better Broadway", why don't you put your money where your mouth is and do something constructive instead of whining on here about it ad nauseum? Is that on topic enough for you, you joyless party pooper?

[JohnPopa]

Posted: 8/20/03 at 11:09am

Yeah, but, Bulldog, you only liked the vaudeville number because early 20th century music reminds you of your youth :) Updated On: 8/20/03 at 11:09 AM

Posted: 8/20/03 at 12:24pm

Oh MY GOD..

John Poppa is in da HOUSE!!!

That was some freakin diss!!!!

I knew it..!!!

La Voiceanth has been a good boy !

..Popcultureboy has been a good boy!

..slash is all but gone...?

SOMEONE had to pick up the slack...!!!

Damn boo! Updated On: 8/20/03 at 12:24 PM