Opera House Players, Broad Brook, CT
through February 24, 2013
by Kait Rankins
“Hairspray” is the story of effervescent teen Tracy
Turnblad, who despite being short and stout has dreams of rising to stardom as
a dancer on the Corny Collins Show. Along the way, she breaks social and racial
barriers and helps to integrate the program and usher it into the modern era
where everyone can dance together.
The fast-paced musical adaptation of the 1988 John Waters
film is unquestionably difficult. The music is catchy but hard to sing, the
comedy is quick and clever, and the ensemble must deliver infectious energy to
the audience. Under the skilled direction of Becky Beth Benedict, they
absolutely succeed.
Benedict and choreographer Alison Bogatay keep up the pace
with the kind of staging that's necessary for modern musicals: constant
movement, tight dance, and a minimum of mobile set pieces. Most of the
transitions between scenes are seamless, with only a couple of noticeable
exceptions that break the otherwise consistent flow of action. The lead cast
and ensemble stand up to the challenge of keeping up the energy; in many
community theatre productions the ensemble can lack focus, but every member of
the “Hairspray” carries the show with pep and personality.
Most notable performances include Nina Rodriguez, who
despite her young age carries the role of Tracy's best friend Penny with
brilliant comedic flair; and Ruben Soto, who plays Seaweed J. Stubbs with
incredible charisma and a powerful voice. Michael King and Rick Fountain, Jr.
are clearly the heart of the production as Tracy's parents Edna and Wilbur.
They take what could easily become one-note comedic characters and give them
charm, heart, and surprising romantic chemistry.
Unfortunately, a lot of the show's stellar performances are
overshadowed by sound issues, with mics not coming on at the right time or
often being turned up too loud and causing problems with sound balance and
making strong singing performances sound shrill. Despite this, the cast's
energy is still infectious and the show's message simple but powerful.
Due to the snowstorm, an added performance of “Hairspray”
will be held Wednesday, February 20.
