Review: HAIRSPRAY at Broadway Palm

The production runs through October 28, 2023.

By: Sep. 24, 2023
Review: HAIRSPRAY at Broadway Palm

Broadway Palm finally got to celebrate its 30th season as it embarks on year 31. The gala event had been scheduled for Oct. 4, 2022, but Hurricane Ian had other plans.

The first show of this season is Hairspray, and its message of overcoming adversity was certainly appropriate. The story is set in 1962 Baltimore where segregation was the norm. At first, all Tracy Turnblad, played by Caroline Eiseman, wants is to break the barrier of fat shaming and dance on television. She soon realizes a bigger barrier exists and organizes a protest to force the American Bandstand style show to allow her new black friends in on the fun.

As Tracy’s “mom” Edna, Greg Kalafatas brings the expected comedy mixed with poignancy to the role. The matriarch on the other side of town is Motormouth Maybelle played by Deidre Lang. She is a crowd pleaser as she belts out the anthem of the night “I Know Where I’ve Been.”

I loved the classic girl group, the Dynamites, who live up to the name. Leiah Lewis, Ashia, Collins, and Kynnedi Moryae Porter have both the glamorous look and the blended sound of The Supremes and others of that era.

I didn’t realize until I re-read the program that Emmanuelle Zeesman played three different and equally hilarious parts: Prudy Pingleton, Gym Teacher, and Matron. Her physicality is incredible to watch.

The 40-person cast filled the stage with exuberance. As with all Broadway Palm shows, the dancing was exceptional. Josiah Rogers as Seaweed J. Stubbs was a standout in that department. When he boogies across the set, you can’t take your eyes off him.

Take a step back in time, rat your hair to a towering height, and hurry to Broadway Palm to kick off another successful year. Hairspray runs through Oct.28.  For tickets, call 239.278.4422.

BroadwayWorld Awards Voting

RELATED STORIES - Ft. Myers/Naples

1
THE MESSENGER Opens Next Week at Palm Beach Dramaworks Photo
THE MESSENGER Opens Next Week at Palm Beach Dramaworks

Hungarian Holocaust survivor Georgia Gabor (1930-1994) is the inspiration for The Messenger, a world premiere play by Palm Beach Dramaworks Resident Playwright Jenny Connell Davis. A meditation on the connections between past, present, and future, the play interweaves Gabor’s story with that of a young Asian American woman facing racial discrimination in this country in 2020.

2
Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Ft. Myers/Naples Awards; BULLETPROOF Photo
Latest Standings Announced For The 2023 BroadwayWorld Ft. Myers/Naples Awards; BULLETPROOF BACKPACK Leads Best Play!

Happy Holidays! The latest wave of standings have been announced as of Monday, November 27th for the 2023 BroadwayWorld Ft. Myers/Naples Awards! Don't miss out on making sure that your favorite theatres, stars, and shows get the recognition they deserve!

3
Tickets Go On Sale Next Week For HAMILTON at BBMann Photo
Tickets Go On Sale Next Week For HAMILTON at BBMann

Single tickets for HAMILTON at BBMann will go on sale to the public on Tuesday, December 5 at 10AM. Tickets will be available for performances April 23 – May 5, 2024. 

4
The Laboratory Theater to Present 24-Hour Playwriting Project in December Photo
The Laboratory Theater to Present 24-Hour Playwriting Project in December

The Lab's 24-Hour Playwriting Project returns to The Laboratory Theater on December 2nd for a night of zany hilarity. Four playwrights will write overnight, and their scripts will be performed live onstage. Don't miss this unforgettable event!

From This Author - Fran Thomas

Fran Thomas co-authored a play when she was in fourth grade primarily so she could have the leading role. She has loved theater ever since. She appeared in several community theater productiions ... Fran Thomas">(read more about this author)

Videos


Sunday Chamber Music: Beaux Arts Trio in Ft. Myers/Naples Sunday Chamber Music: Beaux Arts Trio
Music & Arts Community Center (1/28-1/28)
The Cher Show (Non-Equity) in Ft. Myers/Naples The Cher Show (Non-Equity)
Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center (1/13-1/14)
THE MOUNTAINTOP in Ft. Myers/Naples THE MOUNTAINTOP
Florida Repertory Theatre (12/12-1/14)
Yippee Ki-Yay Merry Christmas! A Die Hard Musical Parody in Ft. Myers/Naples Yippee Ki-Yay Merry Christmas! A Die Hard Musical Parody
The Laboratory Theater of Florida (12/08-12/23)
The Play that Goes Wrong in Ft. Myers/Naples The Play that Goes Wrong
The Naples Players (5/01-5/26)
Diwali Festival Show in Ft. Myers/Naples Diwali Festival Show
Broadway Musicals (11/13-12/04)VIDEOS
Snowbird Follies A Holiday Musical in Ft. Myers/Naples Snowbird Follies A Holiday Musical
Music & Arts Community Center (11/29-12/23)
The Fantasticks in Ft. Myers/Naples The Fantasticks
The Naples Players (1/18-1/28)
Sunday Chamber Music: Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestral Fellows in Ft. Myers/Naples Sunday Chamber Music: Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestral Fellows
Music & Arts Community Center (5/05-5/05)
Sunday Chamber Music: Verona String Quartet in Ft. Myers/Naples Sunday Chamber Music: Verona String Quartet
Music & Arts Community Center (2/25-2/25)
VIEW ALL SHOWS  ADD A SHOW  

Recommended For You