By Jody Tuso-Key — Managing Editor

ATLANTA-The much anticipated Out Front Theatre’s season opener, HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL, opened last weekend to appreciative audiences. This is a favorite made popular by the motion picture of the same title starring Nikki Blonski, Zach Ephron, John Travolta, and Christopher Walken. I have to say right off that Out Front’s production hit all the heights, and it’s definitely a show you don’t want to miss. 

I’ve been a fan of HAIRSPRAY THE MUSICAL since I took my oldest child to see the movie adaptation in 2007. Since then, this fun and entertaining show has crept into my life every few years. My children were in it in high school in 2014 playing Corny Collins and Shelley. In 2015, I directed the Junior version for the Boys and Girls Club of Gainesville. In 2017. I costumed the show for Play on Players Children’s Theater, and  finally saw the Broadway National Tour at the Fox Theatre a couple of years ago. I absolutely love this show, and I loved the moments where Out Front outdid any other production I’ve seen or been involved with. 

The stage version of HAIRSPRAY is a musical adaption of the 1988 original motion picture of the same title starring Ricki Lake. With music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Whitman and Marc Shaiman, and book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, it opened on Broadway in 2003, and won 8 Tony awards out of 12 nominations including Best Musical. It ran until January 2009 and has enjoyed national tours as well as regional, community theater, and school productions. This is a favorite musical for many people, with a serious historical commentary woven in for good measure. It’s the story of Tracy Turnblad, a hefty Baltimore teen who dreams of dancing on television with The Corny Collins Show, a local bandstand show featuring teenagers doing the latest dances, wearing the latest styles, and donning the latest high hairstyles. Tracy’s dream is realized and expanded to integrate the program so kids of all races can dance on TV together.  Set in Baltimore 1962, Hairspray doubles as a social commentary on segregation and ostracism towards obesity. It’s a lighthearted look at serious subject matter, and shows us how far we’ve come as a nation on these issues as well as how far we still have to go. 

Directed by Justin Kalin, this show has a stellar cast and crew. Dramaturg Elliot Folds did his homework well in making sure 1962 Baltimore was depicted correctly. As a child born in the 60’s, I appreciated the colorful period correct costumes (Jay Reynolds), the sky high hairdos (Cathleen O’Neal), and the kitchy set and props (Sydney Lee). All these elements were expertly lit (David Reingold). The pitch-perfect harmonies and dynamic vocals (Alli Reinhart) were masterfully mixed (Brady Brown). 

Out Front is in its 9th season and its mission is to tell LBGTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intergender, and Asexual stories). As far as the cast of characters is concerned, it is traditional for Edna (Blake Fountain) to be played in drag, but Out Front also chose to cast Velma Von Tussle (Paul Conroy) in drag as well–a fun twist to have both protagonist and antagonist be larger than life, and they filled the bill perfectly. Blake is one of the most enjoyable Ednas I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen quite a few. He was a true triple threat with great vocals, impeccable comedic timing, and could dance to boot. Paul was a fun choice for Velma and it was fun to see his character go nose-to-nose with Edna. He had the diva factor that was needed to pull off Velma and was delightful in Miss Baltimore Crabs.

Caty Bergmark’s portrayal of Tracy Turnblad was highlighted with strong vocals. Her performance was complimented by Josh Hudson as Link Larkin, Tracy’s love interest and the lead dancer on the Corny Collins Show. Josh possessed the confidence and vocals necessary for the role. 

Two of my favorite performers in this show were Allie Hill as Penny Pingleton and Elliot Folds as Wilbur Turnblad, not just because I know them personally, but because their performances were above and beyond any I’d seen in the past. In fact, They were so in character that it wasn’t until after the show I remembered knew it was Allie and Elliot on stage. These are two iconic character roles and these two nailed them!!

I was also so proud of Wynne Kelley as Amber. I’ve known her since she was in high school and always knew she was an incredible talent. She brought something new to the character of Amber that was subtle but noticeable. Instead of a superficial narcissist, Wynn added subtle facial expressions giving the audience glimpses of a girl who resents her mother and isn’t always sure of herself. Wynne’s vocals are strong and gorgeous. It’s so good to see her living her dream on stage.

Kayce Denise as Motormouth Maybelle was a perfect cast. It’s as if this role was made for her. I was recently blown away by her performance as Paulette in City Spring’s Legally Blonde, and as Mothermouth, she blew me even further away. I hope to see her again soon in the future as she’s an amazing talent. Andrew Goodallp played Maybelle’s son, Seaweed J Stubbs, and he had the looks, voice, and moves to carry the role. 

The rest of the cast and crew deserve accolades as well. The entire ensemble told a great story and embodied the theme of Out Front’s season “Joy and Escape”. This show is Speakeysie Recommended and we suggest you get your tickets at https://outfronttheatre.com/event/hairspray/ ASAP before they sell out!

Thanks for your readership and peace, love, and light be with you!