THE 60’S BOUNCE OFF THE JULIA MORGAN STAGE AS A HAIR HOPPER STEALS YOUR HEART.
Tracy Turnbald and her quest to be part of the “nicest kids in town” brings the house down at the Berkeley Playhouses new sparkling production of HAIRSPRAY. Based on the 1988 film by my hero John Waters, book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehad, music by Marc Shairman. In 2003 the Broadway hit won eight Tonys, and went on to be a successful movie musical.
This home run cast assembled by Director Daren A.C. Carollo, is a perfect example of the quality theatre the Berkeley Playhouse is bringing to their family theatre. From the opening number “Good Morning Baltimore” Carollo direction is non stop fun. Set in 1962, at the height of the fight for racial integration, HAIRSPRAY is the story of plump Tracy Turnblad who is going to do whatever it takes to dance her way onto Baltimore's TV teen dance show.
Does the big girl with big dreams and even bigger hair - also win over Link Larkin the hottest boy on the show? Its a good chance that most reading this have seen HAIRSPRAY in one fashion or another yet a second or third time at the Corny Collins show is always fun.
Monica Turner returns to the role of Tracy and she is terrific. She is a Bay Area favorite who did the role for Cabrillo Stage Company, and now brings the sixties to the Julia Morgan stage. Turner projects the right amount energy and optimism. “I want every day to be negro day” one my favorite “Tracy” lines. Taylor Bartolucci is perfect as the villainous Velma Von Tussle, as is Chelsea Holifield as her spoiled-rotten daughter, Amber.
The talented scene stealer Andrew Humann brings the Elvis heartthrob karma as Link Larkin and his excellent “Without Love’ duet with Tracy. Glen Riggs is cast as Edna, Tracys mom, and he is divine in “Welcome To The Sixties”. Yet a highlight is the duet with Riggs and Joel Roster as Wilbur Turnblad, their chemistry is perfect in “You’re Timeless To Me”. Hanna Foster is busy and funny as Tracy’s best friend, the nerdy Penny. Scottie Woodard is delightfully smooth as TV show host Corny Collins.
Brandon Thomas brings some spark and amazing moves as Seaweed J. Stubbs, the dancer who ignites Tracy’s campaign to bring racial equality to the dance show. Brandon is a talented dancer and is a highlight. Khalia Davis is marvelous as Seaweeds sister, Little Inez with a load of talent and charm. Tielle Baker is cast as the female authority in a number of roles - her best being the hilarious gym teacher and prison guard.
Director Carollo needs to be applauded for perfect casting in the role of Motormouth Maybelle, played by Berwick Haynes in drag. His depth of highlighting the darker side of this fun is proved with the powerful number “I Know Where I have Been” is a show stopper. Haynes brought the sold out Berkeley Playhouse to a standing ovation stop.
The rich colorful "mod” set designed by Robert Broadfoot at times can upstage the talented cast, but its moving stages and back lit entrances are perfect for this romp through the sixties. Choreographer Alyssa Bond’s dance sequences gave the opening night crowd a few blisters on their hands from the get-up-and-dance after the other of excellent energy on stage.
Wigs, hair spray, and colorful sixties costumes by Liz Martin give the cast giggly camp. Tracy and Ednas coordinated first act dresses could have been a bit brighter, but later Edna shines in the satin, feather boas and loads of jewelry. The back lit set front and swinging cans of light designed by Mark Thomas, keep this show bright. Music Director Michael Patrick six man orchestra are on cue, yet I missed those “Bells” in “I can hear the bells”.
The signature Hairspray "can" designed by Props head Kristen Royston, for the closing “You Can’t Stop The Beat” fits the surprise of the classic dance number. Bond and Carollo fill their stage with some perfect energy for the close of the show.
One of my endearing hero’s in the film and theatre community is John Waters, from the first time I discovered Divine and her Cha Cha shoes. I feel Mr Waters, who is in the Bay Area often, would be pleased with this production in Berkeley. It is a must see and Carollo and his production team deserve every “standing O” they earn for every performance. Go catch the sixties, its energizing!
H a i r s p r a y
Presented by Berkeley Playhouse
Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley
7 p.m. Fridays, 1 and 6 p.m. Saturdays, noon and 5 p.m. Sundays; closes May 17
Tickets: $25 to $60
Contact: (510) 845-8542, ext.351, www.berkeleyplayhouse.org
Photos by Ben Krantz
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