Review Roundup: HAIRSPRAY Comes to North Shore Music Theatre

HAIRSPRAY playing at North Shore Music Theatre thru November 11, 2018. Tickets for HAIRSPRAY priced starting from $59 - $84. Kids Save 50%. For tickets and information call (978) 232-7200, visit www.nsmt.org, or visit the box office in person at 62 Dunham Rd., Beverly, MA.

HAIRSPRAY is piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance, and infectious musical numbers. Set in Baltimore, 1962, Tracy Turnblad is a big girl with big hair and an even bigger dream: to dance her way onto TV, and into the heart of teen idol Link Larkin.

Tracy's audition makes her a local star and soon she is using her new-found fame to fight for integration. But can she win equality - and Link's heart - without denting her 'do? Featuring the hit songs "Welcome To The '60s," "You Can't Stop The Beat," "The Nicest Kids in Town," and many more, HAIRSPRAY is an irresistible, feel-good show guaranteed to have you dancing the night away.

Let's see what the critics have to say!

Marielle Sabbag, Geeks: I was blown away by Altamiece Carolyn Cooper as Motormouth Mabel. She held her head high and belted out in tune. Motormouth Mabel clashed with endlessly talented Merrill Peiffer, the producer of the Corny Collins Show. I could write a review about every single cast member in this show but it may turn into novel! The entire ensemble contributed their smiles, talent, and endless energy to this spectacular show.

Bill Brotherton, Item Live: The terrifically entertaining production of "Hairspray" at North Shore Music Theatre through Nov. 11 is a hoot from start to finish. It features a wonderful cast of characters who appear to be having as much fun on stage as those roaring with laughter in the audience. On Halloween night, Music Theatre owner Bill Hanney (dressed in an orange "Mamma Mia" Super Trouper disco outfit) and producing artistic director Kevin Hill (toting a bottle of rum and dressed as Capt. Morgan) helped set the mood.

David Tompkins, BroadwayWorld: Some of the standouts in the cast are Blake Hammond as Edna Turnblad and Philip Hoffman (Wilbur Turnblad), their duet in "You're Timeless to Me" was sensational. Altamiece Cooper (Motormouth Maybelle) delivered a show-stopping moment with her strong and powerful voice in "I know where I've Been". Stephen Scott Wormley as (Seaweed J. Stubbs) in "Run and Tell That" was one of the show's finest moments, and along with the amazing, Brooke Shapiro as Tracy Turnblad, Christina Emily Jackson (Penny Pingleton), and Zane Phillips (Link Larkin) in the number "Without Love", they created another memorable moment. Merrill Peiffer (Velma Von Tussle) has an incredibly strong voice and was one of the strongest actors in the company, superbly playing the villain you love to hate. Finally, it was wonderful to see local actress Cheryl McMahon (Female Authority Figure, u/s Velma) be so successful in numerous comedic roles. The orchestra was brilliant under the direction of Milton Granger (Music Director), and the wig and hair design by Gerard Kelly, was exceptional, and as always the running crew and stage management was flawless.

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