How is the HAIRSPRAY tour?

[GottaGimmick]

Posted: 4/8/04 at 5:28pm

I have not seen the broadway one so I will not be able to compare... But how is the tour? I plan on seeing it next month.

[StraightToHeaven]

Posted: 4/8/04 at 5:38pm

The tour is great! My personal favorites were Keala Settle as Tracy, Jordan Ballard as Amber and Sandra Denise as Penny. I'm sure you'll have a great time!

[BroadwayKate]

Posted: 4/8/04 at 7:05pm

I LOVE AUSTIN MILLER!!! As someone who was a huge fan of Matt's performance....Austin was creative and sexy! I loved his performance! I promise this show will be worth your money!

kate

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 4/9/04 at 4:22am

How's Bruce Vilanch as Edna?

[ckeaton]

Posted: 4/9/04 at 10:20am

I thought Bruce was hilarious. I was a little worried about how he would stack up compared to Harvey, but I wasn't let down. Both men bring their own take on Edna, unique of course, but both excellent. Bruce colored outside of the lines a bit more, I think his Edna was a bit more edgy. (A gift of taking on an established role)

I'm not entirely sure how he does his local research, but his 'ad-libs' during "Timeless to Me" are fantastic. Some reviewer mentioned once that the local references are too much of a 4th Wall violation. Personally, I think that this specific instance a delightful way to personalize the show for a local crowd.

All told, he's great! A fantastic take on a great show.

Updated On: 4/9/04 at 10:20 AM

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 4/9/04 at 10:36am

I've seen both the tour and broadway productions twice and to be honest with you, I preferred the tour. I'm excited that Carly Jibson is going to Broadway where she belongs.

[DangerousTalent]

Posted: 4/9/04 at 4:30pm

The tour is AWESOME! Keala Settle is just wonderful as Tracy, Bruce Vilanch was fantastic as Edna... the whole thing was very well put together. I loved Penny as well, she was precious & so funny.

Always,
Abby

[wildparty20]

Posted: 4/9/04 at 8:01pm

I saw the tour in Chicago and I loved it. I'm a little partial since a friend of mine is in the cast, but I thought that Carly was better than MJW. However, she's leaving the show soon. My friend in the show said that the girl taking over Tracy is also very good. The chorus is energetic, Austin is fun and sexy, and the supporting roles are quirky and right on. I didn't like Bruce as much as Harvey. The ad-libs in Timeless To Me were funny, but took me completly out of the show. Although, I suppose it does work for that number. My friend said that Bruce tries different things out at every city and the big laughs stay and he searches for new ones after the duds. He says you never know what he's going to say (the actor playing Tracy's dad broke when I saw the show). I think Harvey brings a humanity and femininity to the role that Bruce doesn't. With that said, the sets are the same, except for a house missing in the opening number, and the show is still as fun as ever. You won't be wasting your money!