Review: HAIRSPRAY BIG FAT ARENA SPECTACULAR IS SWINGING SINGING SENSATION at Newcastle Entertainment Centre

SPOILER: The only thing better than Hairspray isn't Corny Collins, it's Hairspray Big Fat Arena Spectacular! As if this absolutely fantastic show spreading messages of acceptance and self-worth couldn't get any bigger, blonder or more beautiful, Harvest Rain has two-stepped up a notch or 500! Taking Marc Shaiman's Tony award-winning musical, based on John Waters' 1988 film, they've turned it into a large-scale visual delight complete with local young talent to sing and dance those memorable numbers alongside some of Australia's greatest stage talent legendary and emerging.

For those of you who have been living under a rock (and likely really flat hair), Hairspray is the progressive story of young and larger than life Tracy Turnblad, whose dreams of becoming a star are realised when she uses some moves learned from her black classmates to impress Corny Collins, local kids' talent show host. With her reluctant mother, doting father, newfound friends and fame, Tracy aims to take down the sixties segregation on the show, evoking the ire of the producer Velma Von Tussle and her daughter Amber, who is also Tracy's love rival as girlfriend of heartthrob Link Larkin. Subverting stereotypical stories, Hairspray has become much-loved for its themes and some of the catchiest tunes around.

Taking the mantle of these incredible characters has long been the work of the highest degree of talent, names like Matthew Morrison, Harvey Fierstein, Zac Efron, Kristin Chenoweth, John Travolta, Ariana Grande have all been there. For this incredible piece, there was no exception. Stage star Simon Burke and song and dance man Wayne Scott Kermond played Edna and Wilbur Turnblad in rip-roaring performances. Amanda Muggleton of Wicked fame gave great voice and venom as Velma Von Tussle, and Christine Anu as Motormouth Maybelle put in a platinum vocal and vivaciousness on stage. Tim Campbell as Corny Collins was also perv-ection with a few new singing tricks up his sleeve as well!

Alongside these absolute icons of Australian arts, Harvest Rain has brought together some fantastic emerging talent, providing new opportunities to all younger performers which is absolutely worth public support. Tracy Turnblad was smashed out of the park by Lauren McKenna, fresh from critically acclaimed performances in Heathers and winning a Sydney Theatre Award. Dan Venz has been making a name for himself in all big semi-professional musicals as performer and choreographer, a prime pick for the teenage-gorgeous but ethically sound Link. Barry Conrad was recognisable from his road to stardom on X-Factor but he has truly come into his own as a formidable singer, stealing every scene he was in as Seaweed! Stacey de Waard and Emily Monsma in the roles of Amber and Penny Pingleton respectively were superb singers and maintainEd Strong presence on the big stage.

The most far-out figure of the arena spectacular though is of course Callum Mansfield, director and choreographer who was truly inventive in using the inspired set designed by Josh McIntosh to create different narratives and inventive moments for the 500-strong ensemble of local young talent, all of whom maintained energy, individuality and technique in their parts. I'm sure we'll be seeing this show in many of their credits as they form their own careers similar to the show's stars. Although some of the sound levels experienced difficulties at times, and the themes still raise eyebrows in today's politically-correct climate, Hairspray remains a fantastic family-friendly fun experience that can open up genuine and important conversations, a responsibility that this production appeared to take seriously.

So beg, borrow, steal or AUDITION! Be sure to see it when it hits your city, as Brisbane has been ticked off, Newcastle is dusted, Adelaide and Perth upcoming and hopefully a Sydney show is in the making! More information and tickets can be found on the website. Groovy!

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