#1
Posted: 10/10/05 at 11:31am
I decided last minute to go see Hairspray in Boston last night, and boy, I’m glad I did. What a fantastic show! I had previously seen the OBC and the original First National tour cast, and while I enjoyed them both, I have to say that last night’s show just blew me away. Keala Settle was amazing. Her voice is superb, every word was crystal clear, and her never-ending energy was contagious. Her comic timing is impeccable, and her facial expressions perfect, while not being over the top. I cared deeply for her Tracy and I wanted her to succeed from the moment she opened her eyes in “Good Morning Baltimore,” to her final (endless) spins at the end of the show. How that girl does that eight times a week I’ll never know. Kudos to you, Keala!
The rest of the cast is great, too. J.P. Dougherty (Edna) and Jim Bullock (Wilber) are lovable and sweet, Susan Henley (Velma) and Charlotte Crossley (Motormouth) are powerhouses, both rock solid, talented performers. Susan’s Velma is perhaps as good as it gets. Aaron Tveit is a charming Link (That boy can dance!), Alan Mingo is adorable as Seeweed, Caissie Levy is hysterical as Penny (That girl can sing!) and Tara Macri's Amber is perfectly obnoxious. The entire ensemble is wonderful, full of energy and life, and the dancing is top notch.
The Boston Globe reported the sound system was inferior and that the scenery and costumes seemed a bit tired. I felt just the opposite. The sound was perfectly balanced and I could here every word from where I was sitting (Orch., row J). I thought the sets looked as if they were brand new, and the new electric curtain that replaced the light bright set works just fine. The costumes are delightful and still in great shape (although I think that Velma has fewer changes then in the past), and the orchestra rocked, while not overpowering the performers. So, there you have it. My first “published” review. And Keala, if you read this, can I take you out for a cheeseburger?
The rest of the cast is great, too. J.P. Dougherty (Edna) and Jim Bullock (Wilber) are lovable and sweet, Susan Henley (Velma) and Charlotte Crossley (Motormouth) are powerhouses, both rock solid, talented performers. Susan’s Velma is perhaps as good as it gets. Aaron Tveit is a charming Link (That boy can dance!), Alan Mingo is adorable as Seeweed, Caissie Levy is hysterical as Penny (That girl can sing!) and Tara Macri's Amber is perfectly obnoxious. The entire ensemble is wonderful, full of energy and life, and the dancing is top notch.
The Boston Globe reported the sound system was inferior and that the scenery and costumes seemed a bit tired. I felt just the opposite. The sound was perfectly balanced and I could here every word from where I was sitting (Orch., row J). I thought the sets looked as if they were brand new, and the new electric curtain that replaced the light bright set works just fine. The costumes are delightful and still in great shape (although I think that Velma has fewer changes then in the past), and the orchestra rocked, while not overpowering the performers. So, there you have it. My first “published” review. And Keala, if you read this, can I take you out for a cheeseburger?
Updated On: 10/10/05 at 11:31 AM
