Review: HAIRSPRAY at Smithtown Performing Arts Centre

Of the many productions that will come and go of the Tony award winning musical Hairspray, the incarnation at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center is incredibly enjoyable. Running through August 28th under the excellent direction of Long Island theatre vet Jordan Hue, the talented cast will leave you singing the Marc Shaiman/Scott Wittman score for weeks. To add, the book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan will indeed stand the test of time as we progress towards full equality at every level.

As we know - set in Baltimore in 1962 - the tale follows teenager Tracy Turnblad as she is on a mission to dance on "The Corny Collins Show" (the equivalent to American Bandstand or Soul Train). After becoming an overnight celebrity, she befriends a group of fellow teenagers who also love to dance, but who aren't on the show - at least regularly. This marks the start of her next mission to get these kids included on "The Corny Collins Show" to make it a more integrated show.

Noelle Eichenlaub superbly leads the spirited cast as Tracy. Ms. Eichenlaub is absolutely delightful in the role and a natural leader as her protesting throughout the show comes effortlessly. I suspect that Marissa Jaret Winokur, Broadway's original Tony winning Tracy, would be very proud of Ms. Eichenlaub. Indeed a favorite is her wonderful rendition of "Good Morning, Baltimore" at the top of the show and her lead on the final number "You Can't Stop The Beat".

Another highlight of the stellar cast is Michael Newman who portrays Edna, Tracy's mother. A big personality and on-point timing bring many laughs for Mr. Newman who alternates the role with Ryan Nolin. Additionally, Amanda-Camille Issac gives a divine divalicious performance as Motormouth Maybelle. She is fabulous, feisty, strong-willed, the boss of a record store, and she hosts what they call "Negro Day" on "The Corny Collins Show". This is what inspires Tracy to rally to make the show integrated so they can all dance together every day.

The entire company is truly extraordinary as is Mr. Hue's creative team. Timothy Golebiewski's set is relevant and allows the cast to move and dance seamlessly; particularly on the big numbers. A bi-level stage, the cast pretty much remains on the bottom level at all times as the fantastic orchestra is on the top level. This is enhanced gorgeously by Chris Creevy's lighting and Ronald R. Green III's stunning costumes.

And so, it seems that Hairspray is indeed another hit for the Smithtown Performing Arts Center. A important story, a fierce heroine, and a thrilling cast make for a perfect night of theatre.

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Hairspray is presented at the Smithtown Performing Arts Center of Smithtown, Long Island, through August 28th. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 724-3700 or visit www.smithtownpac.org.

Music by Marc Shaiman, Lyrics by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman, Book by Mark O'Donnell & Thomas Meehan, Based on the 1988 New Line Cinema Film, Directed by Jordan Hue, Choreography by M.E Junge, Music Direction by Melissa Coyle, Lighting Design by Chris Creevy, Set Design by Timothy Golebiewski, Costume Design by Ronald R. Green III, Sound Design by BriAnne Boyd, Set Construction by Barteld Productions/Clark Services, Stage Management by Andrew Wehnke

Starring Noelle Eichenlaub, Mikey Marmann, Michelle Rubino, Dondi Rollins Jr., Alexa Brin, Michael Newman, Ryan Nolin, Eugene Dailey, Ronnie Green, Denise Antonelle, Amanda-Camille Issac, Lauren Tirado, Samantha Cuomo, David Reyes, Matt Healey, Samantha Foti, Christian Arma, Caroline Anderson, Tommy Castelli, Lisa Naso, Janelle Primm, Diamond White, Amanda-Camille Issac, Jahlil Burke, Kordell Hammond, Elijah Andrews, Erich Grathwohl, Anne Marie Finnie

Photos by: Courtney Braun w/ Samantha Cuomo and Andrew Wehnke

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