You can’t stop the beat of the “Big” Theatre of Alexandria
Posted by clara / Friday, August 5th, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
Why take a chance when you get up and dance? If you twist, I insist, you see “Hairspray.”
Typically, this would be the part where I start to claim my biases. Yes, I’ve seen the movie. Yes, I saw it on Broadway. Yes, I own both soundtracks. But I feel no need to make excuses – The Little Theatre of Alexandria made “Hairspray” their very own, and it’s funny, toe-tapping, and big.
Shannon Kingett as Tracy, Larry Grey as Wilbur and Christopher Harris as Edna in "Hairspray." Photo by Doug Olmstead.
Director Sue Pinkman emphasizes the innate humor in the show. True, it has a powerful message about being different in an image-centric 1960s America. But Pinkman’s production manages to honor that message while also bringing to life a delightful cast of characters and their over the top antics.
Though LTA’s production doesn’t feature big dance numbers, choreographer Ivan Davila transforms the 1960s dance moves into simple group gestures that you can boogie to on your way out to your car. Quick set changes keep the ball rolling; Pinkman and set designer Myke Taister use their space and their set well. The cherry on top for a show with strong design and presentation was revealed in its special effects. Whether it was the starry-sky lighting, trick props, or unexpected costume changes, the unique choices made “Hairspray” all Pinkman’s own.
The live band’s accompaniment backs up a strong set of voices from the cast, and standout Shannon Kingett, Tracy Turnblad, owns the stage. Minor sound problems colored some of the cast’s songs, but overall the vocal strength was impressive. The show opens with Tracy in an upright bed, and her talent shines with enthusiasm and comedic facial expressions. She carried the show with her consistent performance. Other strong voices include Brenda Parker, Motormouth Maybelle, whose delivery in “I Know Where I’ve Been” deserves a Helen Hayes award for putting Queen Latifah to shame.
The acting from the cast gives the audience a portrait of unique characters with their own individualized, poignant movement. Though “Hairspray” can be all about its music, this cast reminds us that without the actors, we wouldn’t have anything to laugh at. Jaclyn Young, Penny, and Adrian Cubbage, Seaweed, make a punchy team that was fun to watch. Another duo deserving of recognition is Christopher Harris, Edna Turnblad, and Larry Grey, Wilbur Turnblad, who not only put the audience in a fit with “You’re Timeless to Me” but vivaciously commanded our attention scene after scene with their shenanigans. Of course, it is all big, but the cast jives well (pun intended) on stage.
“Hairspray” runs through August 13, with a special post-performance talk back tonight, August 5. We hear that special guest Mink Stole, from the original John Waters film, will be there. It’s free and any and all questions are welcome! For more information, visit www.thelittletheatre.com.
–Clara Ritger
Tags: Adrian Cubbage, Alexandria, Brenda Parker, Broadway, Christopher Harris, Clara Ritger, Hairspray, Ivan Davila, Jaclyn Young, John Waters, Larry Grey, Mink Stole, Myke Taister, Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Magazine, NoVA, Queen Latifah, Shannon Kingett, Sue Pinkman, The Culture Gurus, The Game Plan, The Little Theatre of Alexandria, Theater, theater review, theatre, theatre review, theatre reviews, Virginia