REVIEW: Muny Closes Their 2009 Season with an Upbeat Production of HAIRSPRAY

The Muny closes it's 2009 season with an exuberant and colorful staging of Hairspray, the musical based on film director John Waters' most mainstream feature. Even though it's been toned down ever so slightly, this production is still very enjoyable. And, the chance to hear the score performed by an orchestra makes this an especially unique experience. Most touring ensembles cover the string and horn parts on keyboard for economic reasons. But, here these 60's-inspired, R&B confections come alive with a full-bodied and robust sound. And yes, it really does make a difference.

Tracy Turnblad is a forward thinking young girl whose dreams include both dancing on, and helping to integrate, the "Corny Collins Show" in Baltimore, circa 1962. Though she's initially rejected by the show's producers because of her weight, she gains the attention of Corny at a sock hop with her flashy moves during "The Madison". In short order, she becomes a regular on the show, and falls hard for hunky teen Link Larkin. But, her goal of integrating the show proves to be a more daunting task.

Joline Mujica sparkles as Tracy, delivering spunky and clear-voiced renditions of "Good Morning Baltimore", and the ballad, "I Can Hear the Bells". Mujica is nicely paired with Constantine Rousouli as Link, a wanna be Elvis clone, who convinces with his sharp work on "It Takes Two". Maggie Cansler amuses as Tracy's gum-chewing, pigeon-toed friend Penny Pingleton, and Christian Dante White shows off a talent for both song and dance as her paramour, Seaweed.

Paul Vogt is a strong physical and vocal match for the late Divine as Edna Turnblad, and Lara Teeter is solid as her adoring husband Wilbur. Their duet, "Timeless To Me", is as sweet as it is funny. Charlotte Crossly makes a vivid impression as Motormouth Maybelle, and her rousing take on "Big Blonde and Beautiful" really lifts the closing moments of the first act. She also invests "I Know Where I've Been" with the emotional weight it deserves.

A very good supporting cast includes: Kasey Marino as TV host Corny Collins; Ashley Spencer as the vain and spoiled Amber Von Tussle; Susann Fletcher as her mother, Velma, the former Miss Baltimore Crab, and the requisite villain; Delaney Haynes as Little Inez; and James Anthony in a variety of wacky roles.

Director Matt Lenz keeps the action moving at a brisk pace, and his cast displays an infectious enthusiasm. Musical director Ross Scott Rawlings achieves superior results, and Michele Lynch recreates the show's original choreography with vintage flair. David Lander's lighting works very well with Michael Anania's fabulously frowsy version of downtown Baltimore.

The Muny's splendid production of Hairspray continues through August 9, 2009.

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