Hairspray-The Musical

Stafford Palace Theater, Stafford Springs, CT

www.thestaffordpalacetheater.com

through May 3, 2014

by Eric Sutter

Set in the early 60's, "Hairspray" tells the story of a plus-sized girl Tracy (Meghan Allen) who dreams of being a featured dancer on "The Corny Collins Show" -- the equivalent of "American Bandstand." The musical mimics much of that time period's pop music sound with new lyrics set to sock hop style dancing.

To start, a simple set features a bed on which Tracy awakens and breaks out in song with "Good Morning Baltimore". A "Cool Jerk" sounding song called "1960's Town" brings the play's characters into a campy fun roll call. Toe-tappers ease the integration of the show's dancers which include cross-dressers and role reversal humor. "I Can Hear Bells" displays a troupe dance around the innocence of first love. Racial and gender barriers are broken down with strange twists. Of course, male authority figures such as Passion Park High's principal (David Sartori) try to suppress the music. Tracy is given detention for her discovery of Negro Day. (Remember, the show is a period piece and a satire.)

Josh Farber, in the role of Tracy's mom Edna Turnblad, is hilarious as a drag queen. A Top 40 hit, "It Takes Two" is crooned by Tracy's love, Elvis clone Link Larkin (Joe Lucenti). Many gyrations later, Link kisses Tracy. A "Supremes" style "Hey Momma" features Tracy and mom. Motormouth Maybelle (Jasmine Keane) sings a hot R&B number "Run and Tell That" with a life-affirming message of it being “OK” to be different...it's time to integrate!

Act II opens with "Big Doll House"...girls behind prison bars. As comic as the actors are, there is an honest, loving, relationship between Tracy's parents. Michael Holt portrays Tracy’s dad and the comical repartee by the Turnblads during "Timeless To Me" makes light of gender roles. Without giving away the ending, know that multifunctional hairspray saves the day.

Kudos to stage, set, and costume crews for a unique production. Title song "Hairspray" by egomaniac Corny Collins is fun. "You Can't Stop The Beat" proves an appropriate hand-clapping finale. Don't miss the final entrance of Edna Turnblad and Maybelle's soulful solo.

Charlie Allen & The Outlaws

Palace Theater, Stafford Springs, CT

www.thestaffordpalacetheater.com

June 8 & July 14, 2013

by Eric Sutter

Indie-country artist Charlie Allen is touring the Northeast in support of his latest CD, "That Was Then, This Is Now." He's come a long way from down home song in Granpa's choir to the Bonnaroo and CMA festivals. His song "American Farmer" has been featured on Discovery Channel's American Farmer Series. In The Spotlight (ITS) spoke to him recently.

ITS: Hi Charlie...How did you begin your music career?

Charlie: I was raised on guitar. As a 7 year old round about 1969, my daddy got me on stage with Hank Williams, Jr. at Panther Hall in Fort Worth, TX. Willie Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dolly Parton and Loretta Lynn were among that company.

ITS: Your voice is real country and genuine. Who inspired you to sing in your youth?

Charlie: My mom inspired me most. She was part of my hometown Bristol, TN's "Farm and Fun Time" television show which featured country stars Faron Young and Conway Twitty. Daddy worked with Hank Williams Jr., and that first show I did was in front of 5,000 fans.

ITS: How about your guitar playing... any mentors?

Charlie: Old country... where I come from, it was either man up or get out! I was raised in the birthplace of country in Bristol. It's all country down there. I wrote a country theme song for Bonnaroo in 2009 when I played in Manchester, TN.

ITS: Your songwriting is superbly anthemic. It's so Americana. What are your favorite songs?

Charlie: I enjoy singing great songs that connect us as Americans. I like my signature song, "Grandpa's Recipe" which was produced by Henry Paul, the lead singer of The Outlaws." "No Welcome Home" about the plight of Vietnam Veterans is a favorite. I also like one I wrote for Lynyrd Skynyrd's Ronnie Van Zant called "100 Proof."

ITS: It appears you've had many highpoints in music. Is there any time where it all came together?

Charlie: Well, it has been lessons from life and listening to others. I think working with Clint Black and meeting president Diane Delena from River Run Records have been milestones. Certainly, Kim Everitt's take on "Mother's Love" was a highpoint. Also, my latest CD.

ITS: Thanks and all the best to you.

Charlie: Your welcome and thank you kindly.