#1
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.
A work of art is an invitation to love.
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
I think you'd love it even more 
