Hurricane Theatricals Presents
By Beatrice Stockwell
Hurricane Theatrical Company presents the musical-comedy “Hairspray,” music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman, book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, and directed by Kyle Myrik. The show runs at the Hurricane Fine Arts Center 500+ seat theater from June 5 – 27.
Hairspray is based on the 1988 John Waters very “campy” film designed for the performer, “Devine.” It takes place in 1962, Baltimore – the innocent 1950s are out, and music (along with social change) is in the air. Our heroine, Baltimore’s very own Tracy Turnblad (Grace Wells), is a plus size girl with plus-size hair, and a blast of teen-aged-dancing-joy.
Tracy wins a spot on the local TV dance show (remember Soul Train and American Bandstand?) “The Corny Collins Show” and transforms from nerdy wallflower to local teen celebrity.
She then takes on the task of trying to win the affection of the show’s hunk Link Larkin (Dallin Suman) while banishing the nasty reigning dancing queen Amber Von Tussle (McKenzie Morgan). Tracy is awarded detention, for “inappropriate hair height,” where she meets African American student Seaweed (Kile Allen). Seaweed shares Tracy’s passion for dance but is discouraged that the black kids can only dance on “Corny Collins” one day a month. The perceptive Tracy recognizes the injustice of this and is for immediate integration.
In a heartbeat, the bubble-gum, bouncing, bop of a musical becomes both social and political. Don’t worry – there is nothing heavy-handed about race, inclusion, cliques, or physical appearance in this energetic, hilarious, outrageous show.
Hairspray plays Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays at 7:00 pm and Saturday Matinees at 2:00 pm from June 5 – 27. Tickets are $15 for evening shows and $5 for matinees. Purchase tickets at www.HurricaneTheatrical.com or call 435-668-9753.
