Hairspray Delights the Stage at Downtown Cabaret Theatre

The Tony Award wining musical, Hairspray opened last weekend at Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport, Connecticut (directed by Christy McIntosh-Newsom) last Friday with an intoxicating tale that was a laugh-out-loud good time.

Set in 1962 in Baltimore, the story unfolds around young Tracy Turnblad (Lynette Marshall) and her dream of being on the Corny Collins Show.

The audience watches as the plus size teenager with the huge hair dances in her living room with best friend, Penny Pingleton (Kristin Gagliardi) glued to the television aching to be on the other side of the screen, and her mother - the hysterical Edna played by G.Lariccia - disapproving in the background.

But when a young star from the show has to take a break from air - ahem, a 9 month break - there is an opening for a new dancer, and Tracy stops at nothing to get it. After trying out with one heck of a song and dance routine - including a tongue licking with heartthrob Link Larkin (Eric Regan) you'll never forget - then later busts a few moves she learned from newfound smooth moving friend, Seaweed Stubbs (Garth West), she eventually strikes fame and wins her way on the show.

And while the upbeat singing and dancing helps reel in the crowd, there's much more to the plot than what meets the eye. And Tracy is much more than a naive teen looking for fame. Between racial segregation, body issues, and forbidden love, this musical is one that touches your heart, and Tracy is the core of it all.

Hairspray is now playing at Downtown Cabaret Theatre until October 16th.