One Paragraph Review: Big is Back. “Hairspray” at the Paramount.
Tracy Turnblad (Amelia Jo Parish) is a bad, bad girl during detention to the delight of Seaweed (Gilbert Domally) in Paramount Theatre’s plus size production of Hairspray – The Broadway Musical. Performances are January 20-February 21, 2016 at the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora. Tickets: paramountaurora.com or 630-896-6666. Photo credit: Liz Lauren
I fell in love a little last night when I saw “Hairspray – The Broadway Musical” on stage at the Paramount Theatre for the first time. I always fall in love a little bit when I watch musicals at the Paramount. But last night was different. Sure. I fell in love with the singing and dancing and sheer talent, but, more so, I fell in love with the inner Tracy Turnblad that lives in all of us. The one who fights for indignity and fairness. That part of me who sees something wrong and tries to change it. Because as much as “Hairspray” wowed with colorful (and mighty impressive) set design, fun choreography, and great voices, it was Tracy’s fearlessness, Motormouth Maybelle’s incredible sincerity, and the raw sweetness of Penny Pingleton and Seaweed J. Stubbs that stole the show for me. “Hairspray” is about so much more than lofty hair heights, and newbie Paramount director Amber Mak handled the heaviness of “Hairspray” beautifully. The casting of E. Faye Butler as Motormouth Maybelle not only makes “Hairspray” a must-see – it makes it a must-see and see and see and see again. To have the talented and nationally-recognized Butler on the historic Paramount stage in downtown Aurora is a privilege. Butler’s Motormouth is epic. I was blown away not by clouds of aerosol, but by Butler and this cast. Amelia Jo Parish as Tracy Turnblad is believable in every way – she’s fun, kind, and so full of hope. Her amazingly supportive parents Edna (Michael Kingston) and Wilbur (Michael Ehlers) are witty and endearing. And best friend Penny (Landree Fleming) is a doll. Boosting them all up with his lovable pep is Seaweed (Gilbert Domally). Domally gives a heartfelt performance throughout that adds a layer of depth to “Hairspray” and keeps it from getting too artificial. As much as I love the ’60s eye-popping colors and gum-smacking sass, it’s the passion and the dream of equality that resonates and will stay with you after you leave the theater. It’s our inner Tracy Turnblad who can change things for the better and “show the world what’s right.” Paramount’s “Hairspray” gives us big hair and big hope.
“Hairspray – The Broadway Musical” runs through Feb. 21 at Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora. Call (630) 896-6666 for tickets. A great show for most ages.
