Review: HAIRSPRAY Returns to The New Theatre in Overland Park, Kansas

Take a shower, put on your best duds, but do not forget the Hairspray now playing at The New Theatre in Overland Park, Kansas. Hairspray with book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman runs through July 12. Dennis D. Hennessy directs the magnificent dinner theater production, with Richard J. Hinds providing choreography and Mark Ferrell with music direction. Hennessy, Hinds, and Ferrell were in the same capacity in 2012 for The New Theatre production of Hairspray.

Hairspray, based on the New Line Cinema Film written and directed by John Waters opened on Broadway in 2002. The production won eight of the thirteen Tony Award nominations in 2003, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. The same year it won nine Drama Desk Awards and two Theatre World Awards.

Hairspray is a humorous and campy look at prejudice and racism that was prevalent in 1960's America. It is the tale of Tracy Turnblad a pleasingly plump teen who dreams of dancing on television for The Corny Collins Show. Velma Von Tussle the racist producer of the show, reminiscent of Dick Clark's American Bandstand, plans to derail her dream, as she is not pretty enough to dance with her daughter Amber. Amber is the stuck-up, spoiled, bratty hope-to-be Miss Teenage Hairspray who constantly belittles anyone and everyone not as beautiful and blessed as she. The only thing Amber and Tracy have in common is their infatuation with Amber's boyfriend Link Larkin.

The show tackles racial barriers when Tracy is selected for an opening on the show and devises a plan to get the all-white cast integrated with the cast from the shows "Negro Day." The lively musical numbers, "The Madison," "Welcome to the 60's," and "You Can't Stop the Beat" to mention a few are brought to life with the superb choreography of Hinds and the costuming of Vincent Scassellati.

Lena Mary Amato has a marvelous voice, giving a powerful performance in the role of the female lead, Tracy Turnblad. One moment she is a normal teenager with normal problems and the next she is leading a rebellion against segregation. Jim Korinke is campy and delightful in drag as Edna Turnblad, Tracy's mother. Whether at the ironing board or dancing on television his performance is wrinkle free. What a treat to watch Katie Karel as Penny Pingleton, Tracy's best friend. Karel is a special highlight of the show as her animated movements and actions bring waves of laughter from the audience.

Cathy Barnett gives a grand performance as the producer Velma Von Tussle. You may not like what Velma believes or stands for, but you must love the performance given by Barnett. Mandy Morris is wonderful as Amber Von Tussle. Amber becomes the villain we love to hate.

Tim Quartier stars as Link Larkin, the rock star want-to-be, who first has a thing with Amber, but then has hefty feelings for Tracy. He throws away his personal wants and joins her in her quest to bring integration to The Corny Collins show. Seth Golay gives a strong performance as the show's host, Corny Collins.

Amato, Korinke, Karel, Barnett, Morris, Quartier, and Golay appeared in the same parts in The New Theatre's 2012 production. Hairspray is a feel good, just go and be amused musical that with the production at The New Theatre has moved to the top of my list for top notch entertainment. I seldom see a show twice, but this is one that I would definitely sit through again. Hairspray continues at The New Theatre through July 12. Purchase tickets by calling 913-649-SHOW. Photo courtesy of The New Theatre.

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