Hairspray Tonight (Sunday)

DottieD'Luscia and I will be there this afternoon...assuming something out of the ordinary happens, I will surely post a detailed review.

Wow. That's going to be one fun, fun show.

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who is his replacement??

Yes, John Pinette and Stephen DeRosa from the tour are moving to Broadway.

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I love Stephen DeRosa! Who is he going to play?

Why does she HAVE to be played by a man?? If it's not a well-known name, it makes no sense whatsoever. LET A WOMAN PLAY HER for heaven's sake . . . . .

It gives the show more humor to have a guy dressed in drag rather than letting a woman play the role...it just wouldn't be the same if a woman played it.

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Bump for the fabulousness of Bruce

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How is Bruce's replacement, or the new Edna (John Pipette)? I'm seeing the show in a month from tomorrow, and I really hope the replacement is good! I am so excited to see this show!!

Buscee-richard leaves oct 9th.

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thANKS ALOT

I had the pleasure of attending Bruce's final performance with WithoutaTrace. The show was wonderful. I haven't seen the Broadway company in almost a year but am very happy to report that the show is in fine shape.

I'll start with Shannon Durig (Tracy). I had seen her twice in an understudy capacity, but it was amazing to see how much she has grown since I saw her last September. Her voice has always been fantastic, but now her acting is a match to boot. She really has her own take on Tracy and she was absolutely adorable.

Tracy Miller as Penny is also a wonderful addition. I have seen 7 different actresses play this role and they have all been different (no copy cat performances here). It's obvious that the Hairspray team lets the actors/actresses give their own interpretations within the context/direction of the show. Tracy, too, was absolutely adorable. Wonderfully funny actress with a great voice (and a sweetheart at the stagedoor)!!

Chester Gregory (Seaweed) - WONDERFUL!!! I believe he's been with the show for a little over 2 years now and you would never know it. What a voice on him. He's definitely my favorite Seaweed out of all the other actors that I've seen.

Becky Gulsvig was an excellent Amber.

Donna Vivino (Shelley) - I absolutely love the way she sings the bridge after "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now." I hope I have the opportunity to see her do the role of Tracy one of these days, as she's one of the understudies.

Bruce Vilanch - I saw Bruce two years ago when the tour first opened in Baltimore. I liked him a lot then, but it's amazing how much he has grown in the role over this period of time. His facial expressions were priceless.

I really liked Darlene Love's take on Motormouth Mabel. What a powerful voice!! I have seen Hairspray a total of 12 times, and "I Know Where I've Been" still gives me chills!

The Dynamites - DYNAMIC!!!

The ensemble of the show is in wonderful shape. Great energy, etc. I did notice that the Jackie Seiden (Lou Ann) was wearing a different set of costumes. I'm sure no one else noticed, but since I've seen the show so many times, I noticed right away.

Can you tell I love this show? I hear that Blake Hammond (Edna understudy) is great in this role. I hope I can see him one of these days as well (but I will need advance notice since I live in DC).

Finally getting to meet Marc Shaiman outside of the theatre was the icing on the cake (or the glazed donut in this instance). He and Scott made a very nice speech at the end of the show.

For all you Matt Morrison fans, he paid a visit to the stagedoor after the show.

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Updated On: 9/5/05 at 11:05 PM