NETworks is bringing back Hairspray tour in 2020 — Page 3

darreyl102 said: "SouthernCakes said: "Maybe I was! Wouldn’t normally care about a non-equity show but I’d love to see what Nina West does! "

No you weren't, you just misinterpreted the way it was written, the same way I did. LOL. It says itsplaying St Louis from 4/5 - 9/22 on the site for example. Which to me looked like it's saying it's playing from April 5th (4/5) to September 22nd (9/22). But it's actually meaning April 5th through April 9th, 2022."

Ha! So I’m not crazy! Yeah weird way to write their dates. I’m from Alabama and saw the date above it and was like there’s no way they can play in Alabama for that long.. ha

quizking101 said: "Honestly, I got straight up sold on Nina West - she is a kind soul and a super talented performer who didn’t really get her due on “Drag Race” and I can’t imagine a better fit for this role."

Takes me back to Nina's brilliant Harvey Fierstein in Snatch game.

tmdonahue said: "I didn't sign an NDA so I think I can write this. I rec'd a prospective on this production. It is non-Equity and the physical production will be downscaled from the original Broadway production."

I have it on good authority that this is touring with the same physical package as the last Networks non-equity tour of the show, which ran 4 seasons on the road. It's scaled down from the original, but compared to most one-night tours, which this production is designed to be, it maintains a fairly substantial physical production. I'm looking forward to seeing this when it roles through Jersey next Spring.

Networks cast an American Idol person as the lead in their non-equity Bronx Tale-it seems they are using the reality TV star casting methodology, with I'm sure salaries that are better than the standard non-equity offerings, again to get name-brand talent, who by the nature of their career paths haven't needed to join Equity; Let's see which of the Networks regulars fill out the rest of the company.

The base physical package for this tour is what was used for the original NETworks tour in 2007 - which was great. It eliminated all automation and some things were visibly redesigned, but actually maintained the scale of the original design as seen on the 1st National Tour, Toronto, and London. It is different than, but not lesser too, the original UK touring production.

As you can see in this photo spread, a lot of costumes have been rebuilt and the NETworks rental package has clearly undergone a little sprucing up and there are some surprises in store.

The new Lite Brite wall looks *amazing* and the integration of the Inclusive Pride Flag as the final image at the curtain call - similar to how the UK productions incorporated the Union Jack - is a bold, brave, and welcome choice.

I am SO excited to see this production. The cast - based on my knowledge of a number of them - is wonderfully first rate and Michele Lynch - Jerry Mitchell's original associate - returning to restage choreography is a gem.

As a side note - NETworks has employed a Cultural Coordinator (Tavia Rivee Jefferson), as well as Equity / Inclusion / Diversity contractors, and HR support on this production, so kuddos to them.

Surprised to see a non-union tour getting so much press. But honestly support it. Maybe now we will get more of this sort of “star/stunt” casting on non-equity tours.

Saw the tour last night in Detroit, and I had a wonderful time. This was my first time seeing Hairspray. I thought the entire cast gave great performances. There were a couple missed mic cues and the sound mixing was off at times, but I attribute that to being the first night in Detroit. The only negative thing I have to say is about the sets. Some of them looked like a weak breeze could knock them down. Sitting where I was (third row, center orch) it was very noticeable, but I doubt those in the balcony would notice it. I highly recommend catching this if it comes through your city.

windowwaving said: "Det95 said: "Saw the tour last night in Detroit, and I had a wonderful time. This was my first time seeing Hairspray. I thought the entire cast gave great performances. There were a couple missed mic cues and the sound mixing was off at times, but I attribute that to being the first night in Detroit. The only negative thing I have to say is about the sets. Some of them looked like a weak breeze could knock them down. Sitting where I was (third row, center orch) it was very noticeable, but I doubt those in the balcony would notice it. I highly recommend catching this if it comes through your city."

I was at the same show. I noticed the missed mic cues as well (not as bad as the Jersey Boys tour though). The cast really gave it their all. I was a little hesitant in the beginning because of it being non-eq, but I really have to give it to this cast. They have the energy necessary for this show and I left smiling. Stand outs were Nina West and Niki Metcalf, as well as Toneisha Harris who I think fared better in the second act than the first.

The set really did feel cheap, especially the "Corny Collins show" set piece. It looked like something from a community theater with the way it was painted. Much of the bigger set pieces, including the proscenium, were clearly cheaper scrims and you can easily tell because they had a ton of wrinkles (are they able to iron these?).

I sat on the far side front row orchestra, but I wish they covered the wings better. I can see a lot of the crew back there working during the scenes and set pieces coming in and out - it was very distracting, especially because the set itself feels a little bare. Worst of all, I can HEAR the crew during the book scenes. I almost felt bad that the actors had to act through such a loud crew because it's probably much louder for them than it is from the audience side. Not knocking the crew because I know it's a tough job back there that requires clear communication, I just wish it was hidden better. I've never really experienced this in any other show.

The biggest surprise was that they had a MALE understudy for one of the Dynamites! His costume was a full black suit with red sequin embellishes. He was a great dancer, but I couldn't really hear him and he was one of the missed mic cues for his solo riff at the end of "Welcome to the '60s""

Two things I just remembered. I'm 99.9% sure they are using pre-recorded tap sounds during "Big Doll House". The strikes weren't lining up with the actual choreography and there were no tap sounds at all when not dancing or doing choreo without the tap audio. Lastly, maybe it was another missed cue or I just missed it, but during "Baltimore Crabs" the exchange about Tracy not having enough sweaters wasn't there. The callback to that exchange in the finale seemed out of place not hearing that line earlier. Though I doubt those not familiar with the show or at least the cast album would notice.

Has anyone seen this recently? How's it holding up? I am going this Sunday. I am very excited as I LOVE Hairspray, and I have not seen a production in YEARS.

I caught this yesterday and had a wonderful time, but then again, this is Hairspray and how can you NOT have a great time?! The cast was great and high energy. I will say Niki Matcalf sounded a little tired as Tracy and like she may have been getting sick. Nina West was absolutely terrific. What a great and fun casting choice! It was a joy to hear that score performed live after not having seen a production in quite some time.

The set, while definitely scaled down, looked great and not cheap or tired at all like some tours (I'm looking at your Tootsie and Beautiful tours!). However, I was last row mezzanine, so signs of not repaired/ not touched-up wear and tear just may not have been visible from my seat. Lighting design was bright and fun, and I liked the addition of the video design that replaced some drops and effects in past productions.

The sound mix, while great in act 1, was appalling in act 2. The sound was BLARING loud for the entirety of the second act to the point of extreme discomfort. I LOVE my shows loud, but this was just painful and grating. Not sure what happened, but it definitely detracted from my enjoyment of act 2.

All in all, a very solid touring production of a very fun show. It looks like the tour will be continuing well in the 2022-2023 touring season and hitting some major cities. If this comes near your, I would definitely check it out.