Review: Off the Lake Productions' HAIRSPRAY Proves 'You Can't Stop the Beat' When Performing with Passion

The lecture auditorium in Hitchcock Hall, normally the venue in which engineering presentations are given, was transformed into a brightly colored, wildly patterned scene straight out of the '60s when Ohio State's Off the Lake Productions took to the stage Friday to perform "Hairspray."

From the opening number that brought a taste of morning in Baltimore to the campus of OSU to the cast's final bows, "Hairspray" created an atmosphere bursting with energy and exuding undeniable passion. It also marked an important milestone for OTL, being the 20th annual spring musical performed by the student-run musical theater group.

One of the most noteworthy aspects of OTL is the impressive group it assembles to present a large-scale musical production each year. A quick glance at the program reveals that, while there are are some art and theater majors in the cast, several of those involved hail from academic disciplines such as criminology, engineering and psychology. Yet what unites those both on and off the stage is a love of theater and performance -- and it definitely shows.

"Hairspray," based on the 1988 John Waters film of the same name, is a Tony Award-winning musical that follows the life of bubbly optimist Tracy Turnblad (Rachel Dummermuth), a Baltimore teenager who dreams of becoming famous by appearing on The Corny Collins Show, a teenage dance program followed religiously by Tracy and her best friend, Penny Pingleton (Erin McQuay).

But underneath the colorful, vintage-inspired costumes and quirky set designs, upbeat songs and humorous dialogue, "Hairspray" also touches upon the issues of acceptance and diversity -- themes that are especially applicable to the challenges we face in society today.

A lively musical by design, "Hairspray" features a mix of iconic songs, and this catalogue proved to be a hit with the close-to-sold-out crowd that packed into Hitchcock's lecture hall over the weekend. From the wistful songs describing the budding high school romance between Tracy and Link Larkin (Sean Felder), another teenager performing on the local television show, to the powerful statements on racial inequality conveyed through the soulful ballads sung by Motormouth Maybelle (Brianna O'Dell), every number in the show was convincingly performed by the cast, despite the confined space and some audio issues caused by the limitations of the temporary sound system.

"Hairspray" is the ideal musical for a group like OTL. Its energetic choreography and catchy lyrics add light-hearted aspects to a musical that also promotes dialogue about social issues that are still impacting our lives.

This year, OTL is taking steps to further the conversations inspired by the show in an interactive workshop held before the 9:30 p.m. performance on March 4. Called "Run and Tell That," the hour-long event is scheduled to include discussions, activities and speakers from several of Ohio State's Involved Living organizations. This pre-show event is set to take place in Hitchcock Hall Room 035 from 8 - 9 p.m.

OTL is slated to perform "Hairspray" three more times this week -- on March 4 at 9:30 p.m. and on March 5 at 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Admission is one canned good, to be donated to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank, or $1 to be donated to A Kid Again.

More information about Off the Lake Productions can be found on the organization's Facebook page and website.

Performances are held in Hitchcock Hall Room 131. Hitchcock Hall is located on Ohio State's Columbus campus at 2070 Neil Ave.

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