HAIRSPRAY Broadway At The Paramount April 4-9, 2023 Eclectic Arts Media
HAIRSPRAY The Broadway Musical
Book by: Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan
Music and Arrangements by: Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by: Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman
Original Choreography by: Jerry Mitchell
Choreography by: Robbie Roby
Original Direction by: Jack O’Brien
Direction by: Matt Lenz
Premera Blue Cross Broadway At The Paramount
Seattle, WA
Review: Tuesday April 4, 2023
I was probably one of the few patrons at the Paramount Tuesday evening that had never seen any version of “Hairspray”. I only knew of John Waters’ massively popular film with the legendary Divine and a few other actors. I also was aware of the remake from 2007. But, outside of that, I went into the performance cold.
Fun! That’s the word that comes to mind with this musical. The whole atmosphere (even when dealing with serious topics) was on the lighter side and pure fun.
The songs and the choreography was constant throughout on a large scale as the story of Tracy Turnblad (played by Niki Metcalf) was told.
The themes from a 1988 film set in the 1960’s were as important today as they were back then. In that respect, the subject matter of segregation, physical size, special needs education, drag, LGBTQ+, and the like were something to applaud for being included. But, in 2023, they came across a little cringey to me. Laughs were still had at the expense of the characters at times but should we be laughing is the question that ran through my mind.
The not fitting in aspect is something many people will identify with and clearly last night people came ready to have a good time, knew the songs, were being outspoken during many parts of the show (not distractingly so for once, though), and made the event more communal than musical theatre at times (in a good way).
The cast was strong across the board. From the leads to the ensemble, I didn’t notice too many mistakes and it's a live performance - mistakes happen. That’s part of the gig.
The Tuesday crowd as mentioned earlier were really into the musical. It felt like a sold out show on a Saturday night which just added to the performance. Massive crowd energy the way it should be.
Overall, I’m glad I got to experience “Hairspray” for the first time. Now, I need to go back and watch the film(s). If you're looking for a fun time at the theatre, go see this production!
“Hairspray” runs through Sunday April 9th. Tickets are available: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media Links Here
Book by: Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan
Music and Arrangements by: Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by: Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman
Original Choreography by: Jerry Mitchell
Choreography by: Robbie Roby
Original Direction by: Jack O’Brien
Direction by: Matt Lenz
Premera Blue Cross Broadway At The Paramount
Seattle, WA
Review: Tuesday April 4, 2023
("You Can't Stop The Beat"- (center) Niki Metcalf as “Tracy Turnblad” and Company in Hairspray. Photo: Jeremy Daniel)
I was probably one of the few patrons at the Paramount Tuesday evening that had never seen any version of “Hairspray”. I only knew of John Waters’ massively popular film with the legendary Divine and a few other actors. I also was aware of the remake from 2007. But, outside of that, I went into the performance cold.
Fun! That’s the word that comes to mind with this musical. The whole atmosphere (even when dealing with serious topics) was on the lighter side and pure fun.
The songs and the choreography was constant throughout on a large scale as the story of Tracy Turnblad (played by Niki Metcalf) was told.
The themes from a 1988 film set in the 1960’s were as important today as they were back then. In that respect, the subject matter of segregation, physical size, special needs education, drag, LGBTQ+, and the like were something to applaud for being included. But, in 2023, they came across a little cringey to me. Laughs were still had at the expense of the characters at times but should we be laughing is the question that ran through my mind.
The not fitting in aspect is something many people will identify with and clearly last night people came ready to have a good time, knew the songs, were being outspoken during many parts of the show (not distractingly so for once, though), and made the event more communal than musical theatre at times (in a good way).
(“Welcome to the 60s”- (from L) Andrew Levitt (aka Nina West) as “Edna Turnblad,”Niki Metcalf as “Tracy Turnblad” and Company in Hairspray. Photo: Jeremy Daniel.)
The cast was strong across the board. From the leads to the ensemble, I didn’t notice too many mistakes and it's a live performance - mistakes happen. That’s part of the gig.
The Tuesday crowd as mentioned earlier were really into the musical. It felt like a sold out show on a Saturday night which just added to the performance. Massive crowd energy the way it should be.
Overall, I’m glad I got to experience “Hairspray” for the first time. Now, I need to go back and watch the film(s). If you're looking for a fun time at the theatre, go see this production!
“Hairspray” runs through Sunday April 9th. Tickets are available: HERE!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media Links Here
Comments
Post a Comment