Publisher
Most of the time when a staffer of ours attends a play that he or she reviews, we run the piece in the body of the paper— usually on a page designated as part of our Culture section. Although my column is generally anything but “culture,” I am printing this review of Musical Theatre West’s (MTW) Hairspray at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center under my Thoughts because I was the reviewer, and I loved it, and this review will be nothing more than a gushfest.
I heard all the hoopla about MTW’s Hairspray and took the opportunity to review it because I love ’60s-type music and am crazy about musical theatre. I figured the combination of the two would have to be a winner. Boy, was I right.
Never having seen the movie version with John Travolta playing the Mrs. Turnblad role (I just couldn’t get excited about seeing my heartthrob from Grease in a dress), I had no preconceived notions or expectations to cloud my experience. I am so glad that I knew virtually nothing about the production and was able to go in with fresh eyes.
I’m not going to go into the storyline here, other than to say it takes place in the ’60s and revolves around an American Bandstand-type of television show and the issue of segregation. Rather than give up much of the plot, I’d rather just give you my basic impressions of the performance I saw. This may be the strangest review you’ve ever read— but so be it.
The stage was full of action from the opening to closing of the curtain. It reminded me a bit of a three-ring circus since there were so many things going on at once, allowing for every seat in the house to be entertained. The songs were fun and skillfully performed, and I didn’t care that I was hearing them all for the first time. I could actually understand every word they were singing. I found myself smiling through the entire play and shook my head in disbelief most of the evening. The only bad part for me was having to take notes to use for this review. Every time I looked down to write something, the audience would erupt in throngs of laughter. I knew after the first 10 minutes that I would have to go back and see it again. Lucky Mom; she knows she’ll be my date.
I’ve noticed that during most musicals, plays or movies, there seem to be what I consider throw-away songs or characters that I feel were added without real purpose. That is not the case in MTW’s Hairspray. Every song literally tells more of the story, and each character has a reason for being on stage.
I can’t remember ever enjoying the entirety of a musical performance, until now. The performers were stellar. I can’t say enough about Jim J. Bullock as Mrs. Turnblad or Victoria Morgan as her daughter Tracy, the actual star of the play. Do yourself a favor and run, do not walk, and buy your tickets now. Take a friend, loved one, or even your husband. Who knows? Mom and I may see you there!
The performance schedule for Hairspray is Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm, (with a 7pm performance added on Nov. 6). Tickets start at $20. There is a $3 service charge per ticket. Group rates are available for 15 or more. Musical Theatre West performs at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, 6200 E. Atherton St. For more information go to musical.org or call (562) 856-1999 ext. 4.
