One could describe “Hairspray” at Center for the Arts with a lot of “E”s—Entertaining, electrifying, effective, encouraging, and the team should be elated with the encore that takes place Friday and Saturday night Feb. 4–5 as the play is held over another weekend.
One of the most enjoyable performances I have seen at the Center in recent years, director Justin Mangrum and choreographer Julie Wilcox put the chemistry together for a most excellent show of very talented actors. The music, dance, dialog, costuming and lighting culminate in a fine piece of work.
Kate Walrath was the perfect Tracy Turnblad; her true-to-form persona was the center of attention that it should have been. Upbeat, positive and adoring, she carried the show to the extreme that absolutely delighted the audience. The cast has played to three weekends of sold-out houses, tomorrow night’s and Saturday’s encore should be no different.
Close behind her was the incredible Josh Ball as Link Larkin. He was the epitome of a 1962 male idol. He was confident, surefire and emblazoned with cockiness and love for Tracy. Tracy’s best friend Penny Pingleton was played by Kaylie Hackett, and her best effort was wonderfully displayed. She could have literally stolen the show with her wacky, hair-brained character, but she remained an effective and eclectic sidekick on the stage.
In most elegant attire and exploding with expression, Mr. Tony Cimino was the explicit Mrs. Edna Turnblad, and will wonders never cease to exist? His divine extremism was the light at the end of the candle. Wardrobe, you are receiving a low bow on this one. Dancing in high heels is a major task for anyone, but Mr. Cimino was in so many ways, an eyeopener. Move over, David Cummings!
The Dynamites—Kay Wilts, Alicia Collins and Pauline Jai McGavin—were exceptional. They added to the flow that brought together the black and white exuberance that expressed what the show was all about.
Here is wishing I could name every actor and singer in this extravaganza. It was an extreme chemistry that gave us blended shades of grey in its final moments of evident ecstasy. Well done, Center. You were exceptional in this show!
Out Front Wows Audiences Again
George W. Manus’ Out Front on Main Theatre continues to draw crowds.
“Talking With . . .” played for 13 outstanding performances in January, and every audience member left feeling more upbeat, confident and somewhat wowed by the perfect number of seven thespians on the stage who were able to steal the heart and tremble the soul of each paying guest.
Shara Connell
Shara Connell and her, um, vaginal monologue was funny. She was the overly dramatic broad attempting to make directors/producers in the darkened theatre believe in her audition bringing her feline to the audition . . . and both of her cats received an ovation.
Allison Renee
Allison Renee, in her first stage presence ever, was both funny and darling, her patchwork costume was beautiful. Her space-cadet persona was impeccable, charming. She is a natural and here’s to hope of seeing her more on the stage. Her character may have been from “oz,” but she acted like she was from “diz.”
Buddy Jones
Buddy Jones has been gracing the OF stage for six months, either in the background or as a lead, but he brings a true grit to this theater that is well received and needed. His performance as a Southern Pentecostal Holiness snake handling woman was perfect for this young man; the straight-faced humor, and straight laced demeanor could have been done by no one else.
Cheryl Smith
Cheryl Smith came onstage looking as if she had been dumpster-diving at McDonald’s. The burger chain was her four-star restaurant. As long as there was plastic, God existed. And the longer the audience laughed, the stronger this natural-born comedienne became. Her comedic timing was perfect.
Sherry Sunday-Booth
Sherry Sunday Booth has been one of my all-time favorites since I started this column four years ago. A glass of wine, somewhat buzzed, annoyed by the past men in her life, scarred not only by love and loss, but the one on her face . . . marked her for confidence. Mrs. Sunday Booth is a natural on stage, and she makes a very easy transition from the Center to MLT to Out Front. All three theaters’ stages are her home and she proves it.
Kelly Northcutt Hayes
I had the pleasure of working on stage with Kelly Northcutt Hayes five months ago, and she oozes confidence and fun. Talking about rodeos, this was a horse of a different color, with great stance, good timing with lines, and perhaps a kickback from Reba McEntire, Ms. Hayes was once again spectacular.
Deanna Payne
Bringing up the rear, in good fashion, was Deanna Payne, and saving best for last, she was riveting. With wonderful expression, but dry, you would think she was doing an interview with Katie Couric. Attention-getting, her tossing of marbles made you wonder if she was actually losing them as well. Leaving the audience spellbound, the play ended as Mr. Manus loves—with the audience speechless and freaked.
Coming in March
This month sees the winding up of “Hairspray” at the Center, with “Some Enchanted Evening” beginning Feb. 11, directed and musically directed by Dennis Pessar. At Murfreesboro Little Theatre, “Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical” begins Feb 4, directed by Shane Lowery; and at Out Front on Main, “Adopt a Sailor” opens Feb. 10, directed by Bob Fish.
See ya at the show.
