#1
Posted: 7/18/05 at 11:28am
Hairspray (Tour) Review
I'll start off by saying I have seen the show 9 times (6 –Broadway; 3 – tour). I was fortunate enough to have seen the tour when it first opened in Baltimore nearly 2 years ago. At that time I felt the tour was wonderful (both in cast and overall production values). For once I was experiencing a road company that really resembled a Broadway show (search for "Hairspray Tour; 9/14") from 9/2003).
Traveling has definitely taken its toll on this show. I noticed significant cuts in sets and costumes. I have to agree with the critic from The Washington Post, "bring back the rest of the vanities set for "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now"!! My main criticisms lie with the venue (Kennedy Center Opera House); too big. This show would be much better suited for the National Theatre. I had a great front row seat in the first tier, but a lot of the sound was lost. I thankfully spotted a great seat in the orchestra area and moved during intermission. That seat change made a whole lot of difference. It was like I was watching a different show.
Regarding the cast, I felt they were all strong. Keala Settle as Tracy; great voice!! One of my favorites happened to be Chandra Lee Schwartz as Penny. She was wonderful. I have seen 6 different actresses play this role and she, by far, had the most different take of all of them. Hearing Charlotte Crossley bring down the house with, "I Know Where I've Been" was breathtaking. Her rendition gave me chills and one would never know she has been with this tour from the very beginning. Worth Williams as Amber is also worth mentioning. I will say that all of the roles have been wonderfully re-cast. Not a weak link in the bunch. Special mention to the ensemble of this show. The energy level of the cast was great. After seeing the show so many times, I like watching what's going on in the background, and it's great to see everyone remain in character.
What brings me back to "Hairspray" again and again? I absolutely love the music for this show and there's nothing like seeing it performed live. It was also nice to hear an audience that appreciated the "political" references (something that has been lost on the Broadway audiences the last couple of times I have seen it).
I'll start off by saying I have seen the show 9 times (6 –Broadway; 3 – tour). I was fortunate enough to have seen the tour when it first opened in Baltimore nearly 2 years ago. At that time I felt the tour was wonderful (both in cast and overall production values). For once I was experiencing a road company that really resembled a Broadway show (search for "Hairspray Tour; 9/14") from 9/2003).
Traveling has definitely taken its toll on this show. I noticed significant cuts in sets and costumes. I have to agree with the critic from The Washington Post, "bring back the rest of the vanities set for "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now"!! My main criticisms lie with the venue (Kennedy Center Opera House); too big. This show would be much better suited for the National Theatre. I had a great front row seat in the first tier, but a lot of the sound was lost. I thankfully spotted a great seat in the orchestra area and moved during intermission. That seat change made a whole lot of difference. It was like I was watching a different show.
Regarding the cast, I felt they were all strong. Keala Settle as Tracy; great voice!! One of my favorites happened to be Chandra Lee Schwartz as Penny. She was wonderful. I have seen 6 different actresses play this role and she, by far, had the most different take of all of them. Hearing Charlotte Crossley bring down the house with, "I Know Where I've Been" was breathtaking. Her rendition gave me chills and one would never know she has been with this tour from the very beginning. Worth Williams as Amber is also worth mentioning. I will say that all of the roles have been wonderfully re-cast. Not a weak link in the bunch. Special mention to the ensemble of this show. The energy level of the cast was great. After seeing the show so many times, I like watching what's going on in the background, and it's great to see everyone remain in character.
What brings me back to "Hairspray" again and again? I absolutely love the music for this show and there's nothing like seeing it performed live. It was also nice to hear an audience that appreciated the "political" references (something that has been lost on the Broadway audiences the last couple of times I have seen it).
Hey Dottie!
Did your colleagues enjoy the cake even though your cat decided to sit on it? ~GuyfromGermany
Updated On: 7/18/05 at 11:28 AM
