Look at that.... Emcee FINALLY saw HAIRSPRAY!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 11:53am

It was almost a sin of musical theatre fandom to have gone so long without seeing this show. Since it's been open I've been like "I know, I know. I'll get to it." My friends that I went with were in a state of shock that we were going to see a show that even *I* was experiencing for the first time. You know you're crazy when....

Anyway, I don't want to say I have mixed feelings about the show, but it's probably better that I say I have conflicting reactions. My initial reaction to the show was awesome awesome awesome. It is, quite possibly, a perfect show. I don't think I found a single thing that I disliked about it, and I spent almost the entire time with a big smile on my face. It has just the right balance of fun and fluff, but is still able to keep integrity with lyrical, musical and written depth. It seems like its difficult for shows to do that anymore; the relationship usually tends to be unbalanced, IMO. But it's a show that's able to get across a lot of important ideals while still making you want to dance in your seat. Because of the way I grew up, the thing that I always judge first about a show, simply by instinct, is its music. Save for about two or three of the songs, I'd only heard the Hairspray CD in its entirety a handful of times... I've never been one to go into a show the first time knowing the entire score - I like to be surprised. I found the score extremelely enjoyable, and I loved the blend of different types of musical genres that you can find all within this one score. I loved the sets (they're so colorful!); they really gave the show a lot of personality and spirit. Great choreography, etc. The book is incredibly witty, and brilliantly done. I laughed a lot. I originally had seats toward the back of the mezzanine, but surprisingly, about a third of the mezzanine was empty, so we moved. That struck me as being rather unusual - having so many empty seats.... and kind of bothersome, too.

That said, my conflicting feelings: I think having grown up seeing a lot of shows, and recently found the things that are so special to me, it's becoming more and more rare for me to come out of a show and really feel like I LOVED it. I think that's how I felt about Hairspray. I had a wonderful time, it's a great show, and I definitely understand what the big deal is, but I'm not sure I feel like I'd be in a hurry to rush back and see it again. I find myself in that head-space of "it was great, but..." I guess... I really liked it, but it didn't "do it" for me, if that makes sense.

Briefly (or so I'll try to be) the cast. I'll just cover the 'highlights,' rather than discussing everyone, for the sake of shortness:
Carly Jibson is absolutely adorable, and tremendously lovable... beautiful voice, too. Loved her.
Bruce Vilanch - Much as I love Harvey, his voice does get to me sometimes.... it was almost more pleasant to not hear him. This guy is HYSTERICAL.... lots of adlibs, lots of laughs.
Chester Gregory - I've seen him do some stuff before (Broadway on Broadway, etc) and he always amazes me. Nothing different last night. Very, very talented.
Richard Blake - It was really nice to see this guy and not subconsciouly be bitter that he wasn't Adam Pascal. When I saw him in Aida, it was obvious tht he was a talented guy, but (ASIDE from the fact that he wasn't Adam) I didn't think he was really right for that part. It was nice, also, to see him in a part that he's better suited for... boy can DANCE, too. I complained a lot the first time I saw him, due to said circumstance, but I really do like him. His chemistry with Carly was nothing phenomenal, though.
Also wonderful to see John Hill (so gorgeous, it's almost not fair). He was in the ensemble, on as Fender last night... and he can dance, too! Yay John. Oh, and wonderful to see Serge (or, as my friend decided he should be called, "Little Jeremy") Kushnier. He was on as Sketch.
I think that's it for the stand-outs....

So, to conclude, if you're a theatrical slow-poke like I was, do get out and see this show if you can. It's definitely worth it, and it's a sure-fire good time.

Post is getting long, so if you stuck it out, thanks for reading.

Updated On: 12/2/04 at 11:53 AM

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 11:56am

Serege is definately a standout and I absolutely ADORE him -- and MUCH more than jeremy.

[#1Elphie]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 12:02pm

Great review, Emcee. I had similar reactions when I saw it (except I saw a completely different cast). I

[camerangel]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 12:03pm

good review Em.. I know what you mean about having a hard time walking out of a show saying you Loved it..

I've only seen the touring cast, but the show is fun and I agree you should all see it..

[insomniak]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 2:42pm

Well, looks like I am the only person alive who hasn't seen it now. It never really appealed to me, but I may just have to hitchike to NYC to see it now. I'm glad it cheered you up. Great review, Emcee.

[ponine24601]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 3:15pm

yay!!! i'm so glad that you enjoyed the show!!!!!!! can i just ask another question? How was the new Penny?

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 3:25pm

Being an Ohioan, I usually catch the "new shows" a year or 2 after they open on Broadway. I have to wait until June!

[insomniak]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 3:32pm

You too, bway? Another Ohioan, whoo hoo! Rock on, Buckeyes.

[BwayTheatre11]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 3:33pm

Nah, I could care less about the Buckeyes, lol.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 3:34pm

ponine, she was alright. She was cute, and pretty funny, but can't belt like Kerry could.

[insomniak]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 3:57pm

Me too, 11, but it's cool that I'm not the only one stuck here.

[scottwalker]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 4:24pm

So glad that you liked it.I LOVED It.It did it for me.
Went with one of my daughters on 3/31...went back with both on 4/2...also took my sister and my daughters mother.We all loved it.
Since then seen it 12 more times.
NEVER...not once were any of us the least little bit disappointed.It is just the BEST!...As I have said before.
I also saw different casts...kind of split between two different ones.Chester was seaweed...He is incredible.Richard was Link...Really enjoyed him also.Those two I believe are the only two that were at all the shows I went to.But everyone that we saw...They were all fantastic.The show always was a pure joy.Non-stop excitement...Glad that you finally got to see it.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 5:14pm

I've had the CD on almost all day.

[ponine24601]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 5:29pm

yay!! now i have to listen to it! *puts it on*

[adampascalgal]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 5:38pm

Emcee - thanks for the review, this has to be one of my fav shows, I am glad you liked it!!

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 6:31pm

I am so glad you enjoyed my favorite show and I knew you would ! I do want to see it again next time I'm in New York, but I am a little afraid to do so, because apart of the whole show I was soooo impressed by Harvey and Matt on my first time, that I don't know if anyone can top them ! I wish you could see it with them, I think you'd love it even more

Take care

[mleshawn]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 6:39pm

I thought that I was going to hate it without Harvey but the show has so much energy that its still worth seeing.

BTW anyone know the website for Hairspray's Message Board?

[Greekmusicalfan]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 7:51pm

I don't think I'll hate it, I never could, it's such a fantastic show. I am only afraid it's just not gonna be the same ! I think that once you love a show that much, repeated viewing can lessen the magic. Happened to me with Phantom. First time I was absolutely in awe, second time I liked it, third time i was kind of bored :)

Take care

[timote316]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 9:19pm

Glad you had fun! My parents saw it, and loved it too. I have yet to see it, tho...

[jmaclover]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 9:22pm

Hairspray board:

go to www.hairsprayonbroadway.com

Then click on fans and the little telephone!

[bythesword84]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 9:33pm

"I think having grown up seeing a lot of shows, and recently found the things that are so special to me, it's becoming more and more rare for me to come out of a show and really feel like I LOVED it. "


I know exactly what that feels like because I deal with that exact same feeling when I see a lot of shows, and it's hard because you KNOW they're good but something just isn't...there.

[StickToPriest]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 9:44pm

I am just very glad that I was fortunate enough to see the original cast twice, as it seems like some of the magic left when Harvey, Marissa, et al left.

[MatureDignity]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 9:51pm

I haven't seen Hairspray either. I tried! Lost the lotto and the only tickets left were through the cancellation line. This was right after the 2003 Tonys.

I'd like to see Richard Blake. I saw him go on as Mark in RENT and didn't care for his performance at all... so it'd be cool to see him in something else.

[OneBlazeOfGlory]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 9:53pm

Glad you enjoyed it Emcee! I have yet to hear the cd myself (I've been holding off for the holidays) And I appear to be missing out on something great... Could possibly push for it to be added to my growing list of want-to-sees while I'm in NY

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 12/2/04 at 9:54pm

"Well, looks like I am the only person alive who hasn't seen it now."

Add one more person to that!