Review: HAIRSPRAY Sets the Standard at Broadway At Music Circus

The nicest kids in town are back! Hairspray is bringing its unstoppable beat to the round, and you do not want to miss Robbie Roby’s visionary direction and choreography of this bright spectacle of the best of the 60s. Based on the 1988 John Waters' movie that became a cult classic, Hairspray opened on Broadway in 2002. It took home eight Tony Award wins, including Best Musical. Its staying power can be credited to a memorable score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and relatable themes in the book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan.00:03

Hairspray follows the story of Tracy Turnblad, whose biggest dream is to dance on the Corny Collins Show. The only problem is that she’s not exactly what society expects to see on television. She has to convince her mother, the formidable Edna Turnblad, that she has the talent to pursue her dream. Her mother’s fears aren’t unfounded, and Tracy faces backlash that makes her question if she deserves to succeed. Despite her setbacks, she ends up winning the hearts of the public. When Tracy makes her small screen debut alongside her crush, heartthrob Link Larkin, she discovers that fame comes with great responsibility if she’s to do what is right. Link also has to decide if he wants to affect social change alongside Tracy, or pursue his dream and lose his integrity.

This cast of Hairspray is the best I’ve seen. Tracy is played by Kaitlyn Louise Smith, an effervescent and perennially optimistic ray of joy. Sara Gettelfinger and Kathryn Brunner are the perfectly unlikable mother/daughter Von Tussle duo, bringing delightful big bully energy to the stage. Ben Fankhauser plays Corny Collins with gusto and is the epitome of the smooth talking show host. Blowing us all away with her vocals is Altamiece Carolyn Cooper as the rhyming Motormouth Maybelle. Her rendition of the gospel-inspired “I Know Where I’ve Been” ensures there won’t be a dry eye in the house. Equally notable are Hannah Sedlacek as Penny, Jamonté as Seaweed, Jamie Torcellini as Wilbur Turnblad, Will Savarese as Link Larkin, and the entirety of the cast. The biggest draw of the show, however, is usually Edna Turnblad, and this production is no exception. Ginger Minj takes the round by storm as Edna, showcasing her versatility and range. She’s hilarious, brash, sensitive, and exuberantly entertaining.

Hairspray resonates with audiences for the universal battles it presents as well as the immortal score featuring favorite staples. "Welcome to the '60s," "The Big Dollhouse,"  and "Good Morning Baltimore" are numbers that will keep you fixated, dancing, and wanting to come back for more. The show's most recognizable song, "You Can't Stop the Beat," is an anthem for anyone who has ever felt like a misfit and a reminder that progress is unstoppable. It’s a feel-good, must-see ode to the underdog that you’ll be thinking of long after you leave the theatre.

Hairspray plays at Broadway at Music Circus through August 30th. More information and tickets may be found by visiting BroadwaySacramento.com, by calling (916) 557-1999, or at the Box Office at 1419 H St. in Sacramento.

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