Hairspray: A Review

Last night a friend and I made the trek out to see Sullivan County Dramatic Workshop's  Hairspray at the Rivoli Theater. It was about an hour and a half ride for us, but the trip was totally worth it. What a charming production!


Hairspray is a musical with music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman and a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, based on the 1988 John Waters film Hairspray. The songs include 1960s-style dance music and rhythm and blues. In 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, plump teenager Tracy Turnblad's dream is to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program based on the real-life Buddy Deane Show. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight. She then launches a campaign to integrate the show. Hairspray is a social commentary on the injustices of parts of American society in the 1960s.


The musical's original Broadway production opened on August 15, 2002 and won eight Tony Awards. It ran for over 2,500 performances and closed on January 4, 2009. Hairspray has also had U.S. national tours, a London West End production, a UK tour and numerous foreign productions and was adapted for a 2007 musical film.

Highlights of the show include an amazing ensemble with very strong command of the sometimes complex harmonies. Edna Turnblad played by Joseph Jervais was an absolute delight to both listen to and watch. He had great delivery of lines with perfect comedic timing. Penny Pingleton played by Heather Stevens was a hidden gem in the show. I especially enjoyed Rebecca Patterson DaCosta (Motormouth Maybelle), Walter Chilsholm (Seaweed), the Dynamites and the Council. Tracy was adorable, Link handsome and Corny Collins ... exactly what you would expect.

Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now, Welcome to the 60's, The Big Doll House, Big, Blond and Beautiful, and You Can't stop the Beat were all delightful numbers. The choreography was crisp and fun to watch.

The costuming was bright, cheerful and exactly what one would expect stepping back into 1962. The band was wonderful. Lighting was a little dim at times and there seemed to be some issues with the microphones. I love the score for this show, it is full of numbers that will leaving you dancing in your seat, and humming the tunes on the way home.

Overall a wonderful production which I encourage you to go see. They have two more performances - August 13 @ 8pm & August 14 @ 2pm. Tickets can be ordered at http://www.scdw.net/