'Hairspray'

REVIEW: "Hairspray" (musical)
Final Los Angeles performance
Pantages Theatre | September 4, 2004

Saturday night's performance ended the Los Angeles stop of "Hairspray's" first national tour, and also concluded the run of many principal cast members. This infectious, quirky and energetic show should not be missed - and it will return to Southern California via the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa, so you still can see it yet. Even with an entirely different set of principals, the show's wit and ethusiasm is built into its structure, so there's no missing out.

"Hairspray" the musical is based on John Waters' 1980s film, which starred Ricky Lake. Taking place in the 1960s, during the civil rights movement, it's about a chubby high school girl who dreams of starring on an American Bandstand-style TV dance show, and the way she ultimately surmounts several obstacles to get herself - and her African-American friends - onto the show. Along the way are laughs and off-color jokes galore.

The show on Saturday marked the final performances for Marisa Jaret Winokur (Tracy Turnblad), Bruce Vilanch (Edna), Todd Sussman (Wilbur) and Jordan Ballard (Amber). The later three will move on to the Broadway production, while Winokur will leave "Hairspray" for good to pursue other projects. As was the case earlier in the run, all four turned in remarkable performances - most notable Winokur's endlessly bubbly Tracy, whose infinite optimism creates a character so endearing that the audience is instantly drawn to her. Vilanch's Edna is quite funny, including his ad-libbed, anachronistic jokes (on Saturday, there was mention of Governor Schwarzenegger, the GOvernor of New Jersey, and Michael Phelps). Continuing principal cast members also provided some great performances: Sandra Denise's hilariously awkward Penny Pingleton, Tracy's best friend, as well as Terron Brook's vocal-powerhouse Seawead. The only sore spot was Austin Miller as Link Larkin; Miller replaced original Broadway cast member Matthew Morrison midway through the LA run (though Miller played Link at previous stops on the tour), and he simply lacks Morrison's easy suave-ness. Miller is more awkward, and his actions look "put on" and too over-the-top, even for this show. His voice is fine, but his performance was a noticeable drop in quality from Morrison's.

One of my favorite parts of "Hairspray" has been Jerry Mitchell's choreography. It recalls the 60s, which makes it all the more funny. But its also very clever, making use of simple, popular social dancing. Still, the dancing has the effect of enlivening the audience, which cheers after each big number.

"Hairspray" is a great show, and there is good reason to look forward to its Costa Mesa visit.

"Hairspray" plays at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, from October 12 to 24, 2004. For more information and tickets, visit www.ocpac.org.

Curtain call on closing night

The Pantages began life in 1930 as a movie palace, complete with an interior of elaborate modern-era splendor. It's a beautiful, gigantic theatre with gilded interiors and it offers a great sense of "place" when you go to see a show.

Lobby area

From the balcony.