BWW Reviews: Houston Gets Big Welcome to the 60s with TUTS' HAIRSPRAY!

The audiences at Miller Outdoor Theatre got a big, fat welcome back to the early 1960s, where tall hair and bright, jarring outfits were all the rage, thanks to TUTS' Humphreys School of Musical Theatre's fun and boisterous production of HAIRSPRAY.

With a pastiche score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman and witty book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan HAIRSPRAY is a faithful musical version of John Waters' 1988 film of the same name. The story follows larger-than-life Tracy Turnblad as she tries to secure a coveted spot on the famous Corny Collins Show -- no easy task thanks to the show's producer, Velma Von Tussle and her daughter, Amber. Backed by her doting father Wilbur, plus-sized and hesitant mother Edna, and sheltered best friend Penny, Tracy won't let anything stop her as she sets out to change Baltimore, and the world, for good. The stage was full of wonderful performers, so much so that it was difficult to choose whom to watch.

Carlie Sachs, an upcoming 8th grader at Kinkaid (although you wouldn't be able to tell by the way she carries herself) assumed the role of Tracy. Even before the opening number, "Good Morning Baltimore," Sachs completely won the audience over with her spunk and all-together cheery disposition. Throughout the performance, Sachs fully committed to the character and took control of the show with her unwavering fiery pride. Due to her beautiful performance, the audience really connected with Tracy, and rode the rollercoaster of emotions with her as the show progressed.

As always, Edna Turnblad (Thom Culcasi) was played by a male in drag. Edna is arguably the emotional center of the show. On one hand, she has to be supportive and strong for her daughter, while on the other she has to be a protective mother and try to keep her out of harm's way. Often those two sides coincide, making it a fine line to walk, which Culcasi did expertly. In some productions, the actor playing Edna will overcompensate with the feminism of the character, which removes the humor (cough cough, John Travolta), but Culcasi played up the drag aspect just enough to make it funny, but not distracting. Edna's other half, Wilbur, was played by Dylan Lambert. A much smaller role than Edna (no pun intended), Lambert did a great job holding his own. Lambert brought a real spark to the stage during "You're Timeless to Me."

The villainous Velma was brilliantly played by Mallory Bechtel. I've never seen someone who hasn't even reached college age so successfully and believably portray an adult, and a pretty evil one at that. Although it's hard to find a redeeming quality about Velma (other than her looks), Bechtel played it with such fervor, you couldn't help but to secretly love her. Assisting her in her evil mission was Kelly Lomonte, playing Amber. Lomonte's performance was consistently on par with her on-stage mother, creating a Draco/Lucious Malfoy situation.

Ashton Lambert who played Corny Collins was probably my favorite part of the show. Lambert, who is clearly a triple threat, lit up the stage every time he was on. Lambert was the perfect mixture of smooth lounge lizard and perky game show host, which really added excitement to the production. Grace Nardecchia was the perfect Penny. Cute, sheepish, but always supportive of her best friend, Narchecchia was a great addition to the production. Sadly, the character of Penny doesn't sing that much, but Nardecchia took what she was given and completely ran with it. Her stanza in "You Can't Stop The Beat" almost made me stop breathing. Meanwhile, Fernell Hogan had so much energy and charisma as Seaweed that it almost seemed like he was being shot out of a canon every time he entered the stage. Completely crushing the choreography, Hogan made it all look extremely effortless. The enthusiastic ensemble performed with polish and full understanding and appreciation for HAIRSPRAY'S positive atmosphere and message.

Last but certainly not least was Gerra Gistand's performance as Motormouth Maybelle. To be honest, I don't think I can adequately describe her performance. For those who didn't have the chance to see the show, it's important to note that Ms. Gistand got a standing ovation during, yes I said during the 11 o clock number "I Know Where I've Been," and rightfully so. That number was filled with so much emotion and soul that I completely forgot I was sitting outside in the Texas heat.

Director Charles Swan and choreographer Shay Rodgers' work is consistently lively, innovative, and polished. I also found the work of the set, sound, lighting, and costume designers, Torsten Louis, Andrew Harper, Clint Allen, and Colleen Grady respectively, vivid and attractive.

HAIRSPRAY is considered by many to be one of the classics of contemporary musical theatre, and TUTS treated the piece with great respect and obvious affection.

Miller Outdoor Theatre has been a cornerstorne of the Houston theatre scene for the last 90+ years, providing free, live entertainment to record breaking audiences. TUTS has been part of all the fun since 1968 after being founded literally under the stars (hence the name!) Every summer, kids from numerous schools from all around the Houston area come together to put on a show, completely free of charge in the middle of Hermann Park. HSMT has put on family favorites such as LITTLE MERMAID JR., HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, and CAMP ROCK. To find out more about Theatre Under the Stars and the Humphreys School, visit www.TUTS.com!

The Cast of HAIRSPRAY

The Cast of HAIRSPRAY

The Cast of HAIRSPRAY

Photo Credit: Gaby Quintana

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