Review: Shake It to the Sound of HAIRSPRAY at Cape Rep

If there ever was the perfect reason to use the word "infectious" to describe a performance, Cape Rep's Hairspray; The Broadway Musical would be that reason. And by using that word do I mean all good - nay, fantastic things that can only conceivably be said about such a treasure as I have just seen performed.

Cape Rep is known for bringing productions of quality and professional pizazz to their stage, from costumes to talent, sparing nothing in the making of a wonderful show, but with Hairspray they have really gone above and beyond in bringing something that everyone on Cape at the moment can anticipate loving. Even if you are not the biggest fan of the musical or may have only seen the movie, the way in which this production is done, from set to choreography to the palpable energy on that stage during songs one as big and influential to the plot as the next, is honestly nothing short of amazing. Cape Rep really has a triumph on their hands with this production, and it is more than just a show that everyone should get the chance to see: it is more like an extravaganza, as big (no pun intended!) a show as one could hope to see on stage this summer.

With a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman and now directed by Scott Ripley, Cape Rep's production of Hairspray: The Broadway Musical has already imaginably caused quite the stir since its opening on Wednesday. This musical has a little bit of everything that creates a whole lot of joy that will have audiences dancing on their feet even after the show has ended. From the diverse styles (and sheer amount) of dance to an eclectic bunch of characters and costumes that would make any other production of this musical turn green with envy, to the unbelievable talent of the cast and crew and the show's happy ending such a controversial topic as race segregation can bring forth, others aside from myself will assuredly be find themselves wearing a constant smile on their faces throughout.

The time is Baltimore, 1962, and it is the dream of heavy-weight highschooler Tracy Turnblad to not only dance on "The Corny Collins Show," a popular teenage after-school program, but to do so among people of all colors - people who, at the time, were not allowed to dance during the same time slot let alone in the same room. When Tracy is given her chance to appear as a regular on the show, she is determined to not only enjoy something she only ever dreamed of (including a budding romance with show heartthrob Link Larkin), but to have everyone "dance together." With songs like "Good Morning Baltimore," "Welcome to the 60's" and the show-stopping final number "You Can't Stop the Beat," Hairspray is an experience that should be shared amongst anyone who has much heart, a whole lot of soul and the desire to see a wonderfully entertaining musical...perhaps more than once!

Being familiar with the show and most of its music but never having seen it on stage myself, Cape Rep really tips the scale with its newest production because of the impressive way it is presented to an audience. There really is an unwritten law for this musical that requires a minimum quota of energy and effort one must put into the show in order for people to not simply enjoy themselves while but to love the fact that they bought a ticket, and with each scene adding to certainty of what a cohesive whole this production is quite the testament to that. What is truly infectious (to use that word again) about this show is fact that the sheer effort put into its making both on and off stage is hidden by the grand time both the actors and audience are having. There is so much happening on stage at any given point that the actors must always be ready to dive into yet another scene with renewed vigor.

For example, Tracy's "Good Morning Baltimore," which of course gives that initial impression as to what the audience can expect of the rest of the show, all the way through to the end - to when you think the final "You can't stop the beat" is sung but Edna appears and the entire cast again starts the song with the same enthusiasm as what they sung five minutes prior, this show requires a continuous rhythm that this cast does an unbelievable job in retaining. And this is not only to be found in what is portrayed through song and dance, but also by how each actor brings to his or her character a discernible personality that the audience cannot only appreciate, but come to conclusions as to who among them are their favorites. There are clear and vibrant acting choices made here which, on top of all else happening on stage (down to the figure eight of the lights), really makes for really one of the best shows I have seen at Cape Rep.

If you haven't already picked up on the fact that I had some fun with this musical, the actors must be incredibly happy with their own abilities to bring to life such a plot in a way that is both entertaining and tasteful. Kate Ryan as Tracy Turnblad is just a breath of fresh air not only in the role, but just to see on stage in general. Not only does she have the perfect voice for Tracy, she embodies the character in every way just so perfectly. She is simply adorable to watch every time she smiles, finding such joy in playing her character that it's hard to put your finger on what, exactly, makes watching her so interesting. Whether it's her stage presence or just how comfortable she is with the little nuances and disposition that constitute Tracy's character, there are some people in this world who are less comfortable playing themselves in their own lives than Ryan is playing this (or I would say any) role.

Annabelle Shea as Penny Pingleton, Jared Hagan as Edna Turnblad, Matthew Elliott as Corny Collins, Marie Becklo as Velma Von Tussle, McNeely Myers as Prudy Pingleton (and every other hat she can wear during the show), Nick Nudler as Link Larkin, John Mooney as Wilbur Turnblad, Brandon Curry as Seaweed, Stephanie Sequeira as Little Inez, Shinnerrie Jackson as Motormouth Maybelle, Lindsey Erin Agnes as Tammy, IsaBelle Archer as Loraine, Lephate Cunningham III as Gilbert, Jeffrey Kelly as Sketch, Madison Mayer as Brenda, Wil Moser as IQ, AaRon Roberts as Duane and Essence Williams as Cindy round out this wonderful cast!

Choreographers Meredith Langton and Chelsey Jo Ristaino, Set Designer Edward T. Morris, Costume Designer Heather McDevitt Barton, along with Musical Director/pianist Jeffrey Buchsbaum, bass guitarist Catherine Ripley and drummer Ryan Sander also play their respective parts beautifully.

Hairspray: The Broadway Musical began performances at Cape Rep's (located right on 6A in Brewster) on August 3rd and will continue thru September 3rd. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased by calling the box office at (508) 896.1888 or by visiting www.caperep.org. Student rush is also available. The performance schedule is as follows: Tuesdays thru Thursdays at 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays August 14th, 21st and 28th at 2 p.m.

Enjoy the show!

Photo Credit: Bob Tucker/FocalPoint Studio

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