Book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan
Music by Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman
Directed and Choreographed by Amber Mak
Paramount Theatre’s HAIRSPRAY is full of Big Hair and Big Fun!
Hairspray at Paramount Theatre – Original Review
Archive review: Sally Jo Osborne reviewed Paramount Theatre’s Aurora production of Hairspray in January 2016. Directed and choreographed by Amber Mak, it featured Amelia Jo Parish as Tracy Turnblad. See our Marriott Theatre review and Drury Lane Theatre review for other stagings.
I Know Where I’ve Been and The Nicest Kids in Town are there! Paramount presents Hairspray, The Broadway Musical based on the 1988 John Waters movie. This show steps back in time, yet is timely. The energetic, thought provoking feel good musical always takes me to a happy place. The truly contagious energy that the cast brings to the stage is astounding!
Good Morning Baltimore Tracy Turblad (Amelia Jo Parish) is not your typical teenager. She has a bigger plan for her life (and her hair) than just watching the Corny Collins Show, she is determined to be a star! When she auditions for the show she is faced with judgmental show business executive Velma (Heather Townsend) and mean girl Amber (Samantha Pauley), yet she conquers onward not realizing at the time that her passion is a much larger more important issue than being seen on TV. She falls in love I Can Hear the Bells with dreamy Link (Henry McGinnis) and she is the voice of integration for persons of all color to dance together on network television. “Hairspray” has a way of addressing the social issues, which are so relevant today more than ever it seems in a way that really makes you want to join in the mission. Can’t we all just get along?
Directed and Choreographed by Amber Mak this fun and flashy show is sure to make you smile. The crafty and colorful costumes by Theresa Ham hits the mark and is delightful to the eye. Corny Collins (Devin DeSantis) is a delightful host with all the right moves and the right attitude! The loving relationship between Mama Edna (Michael Kingston) and loving Dad Wilbur (Michael Ehlers) remind us that love can be everlasting no matter what level of success or the size of your dress. The charming moments between the two in You’re Timeless to Me is as comforting as a hot cocoa on a cold winter’s night.
The playful and passionate relationship that begins to bloom between Seaweed (Gilbert Domally) and Penny Pingleton (Landree Fleming) is almost a side show within the show that keeps us amused throughout. The woman who knows and who speaks in prose, Motormouth Maybelle (E. Faye Butler) brings the house down singing, I Know Where I’ve Been and the inspiring Big Blonde and Beautiful along with Edna, Wilbur and Tracy was awesome!
The old fashioned television sets surrounding the stage on both sides playing commercials from the 60’s is another visual delight. I found myself dreaming about Morris the Cat and Charlie Tuna’s Chicken of the Sea for two days! The orchestra directed by Tom Vendafreddo was flawless.
Although there was a technical difficulty with the set on stage that interrupted the show during the beginning of the second half of the show, the crew fixed the problem like true professionals. After all the show must go on and it did with renewed energy and excitement. I have to say my daughter who already saw the movie and knew the music said that this is the best show she has ever seen and she has seen many!
As Tracy Turnblat would say “Eat some breakfast and change the world!” Venture out and see this show you will be in for a treat.
Highly Recommended
Reviewed by: Sally Jo Osborne January 23, 2016
For more information, see the “HAIRSPRAY” page at www.theatreinchicago.com
Playing at The Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, IL 630-896-6666 for tickets runs through February 21.
Running time is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hairspray
Where can I watch Hairspray?
There are several versions of Hairspray available to watch, including John Waters’ original 1988 film starring Ricki Lake and the 2007 movie musical starring Nikki Blonsky, John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and Queen Latifah. Both films may be available through streaming services or digital rental and purchase platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango at Home. Availability changes, so check JustWatch for current streaming options in the United States. For a live performance, check local theatre schedules and touring productions.
When did Hairspray open on Broadway?
Hairspray opened on Broadway on August 15, 2002, at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York City. The production featured music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, and a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan. It won eight Tony Awards in 2003, including Best Musical, and ran for more than six years before closing on January 4, 2009.
Is Hairspray still on Broadway?
The original Broadway production of Hairspray closed in January 2009 after 2,642 performances. Although the original production is no longer running, the musical continues to be performed by regional theatres, touring companies, schools and community theatre organizations. Audiences interested in seeing Hairspray live can check Broadway touring schedules and local theatre listings for upcoming productions.
What are the most popular songs from Hairspray?
Some of the best-known songs from Hairspray include “Good Morning Baltimore,” “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” “Welcome to the 60’s,” “I Can Hear the Bells,” “Without Love” and “I Know Where I’ve Been.” Written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the musical’s score draws inspiration from 1960s pop, rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and Motown. The energetic finale, “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” is particularly popular with audiences.
How long is Hairspray the musical?
Most stage productions of Hairspray run approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes to 2 hours and 40 minutes, including an intermission. Running times vary depending on the theatre and production. The 2007 movie musical runs approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes.