I went to see Hairspray at the Patchogue Theatre on July 15 with some colleagues and it was like being transported back the the 1960's where segregation was still prominent and big ridiculous hairstyles were first popular. For this energetic and enterprising era, the costumes were on point and the set design was fitting. It was just so upbeat and fun.Some people think, (including myself) "How good could the play be? It's in Patchogue," but when I'm wrong, I say I'm wrong and I was definitely wrong this time. Patchogue Theatre really puts on some good shows, especially shows from the Gateway Playhouse. The actors were funny when they were supposed to be and were so lovable. And, whoa, did some of them have some pipes. Especially Motormouth Maybelle who was played by Fran Jaye and really killed it with every song she sang. She practically rattled the theater.
I will admit, for the first 15-20 minutes I really thought Edna Turnblad was played by an overly stocky woman because Jerry O'Boyle was so convincing as the heavyset mother of Tracy Turnblad. (I had to check the playbill.) Edna Turnblad really goes through some personal (emotional, not physical) growth throughout the play and O'Boyle really embodies the development of that part. You really end up admiring him/her.
Tracy Turnblad (Brooke Shapiro), the main character, was a cute and courageous teenager and her friend Penny Pingleton (Sara Jayne Blackmore) was quite the little comedian, especially when she sings that she's, "tasted the chocolate" and is "never going back." She was so expressive, I actually laughed out loud. And, Todrick Hall, from American Idol fame, was Seaweed in this production and didn't try to steal the show or go overboard. He accepted his supporting role status as he belted out the necessary tunes and grooved his way across the stage in dance numbers. I was completely impressed because I wasn't a fan when he was a contestant on Idol. My view has changed, for the most part.
If you don't get it by now, I really liked the show and forgot that I wasn't in NYC at a Broadway version. It was great and the cast worked very well together. What a fun night out!
