written by: Ciarra Nelson
You can’t stop the beat in Cleveland this week as the Tony Award Winning Musical Hairspray hits the stage! TheHuntington Bank Series is playing at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace. The show is based on the 1988 Newline Cinema Film of the same name written and directed by John Waters.
(center) Deidre Lang as “Motormouth Maybelle” and the Company of Hairspray. Photo: Jeremy Daniel.
The story takes place in the 1960’s in Baltimore when dance-loving teen Tracy Turnblad (Caroline Eiseman) auditions for a spot on “The Corny Collins Show,” and wins. The plus-size teen encompasses the desire for change in the world’s definition of beauty and talent. She becomes an overnight celebrity and a trendsetter in dance, and fashion. She becomes the face of beauty, love and is responsible for tackling racial integration on the dominantly white cast dance show.
Caroline Eiseman as “Tracy Turnblad” in Hairspray. Photo: Jeremy Daniel
The musical comedy focuses on Turnblad and her heart’s desire to dance on the “The Corny Collins show.” She wants to have every day be Negro Day on the show and meet Larkin-the shows sexy heartthrob. However, one of the bigot producers on the dance show feels she must put Tracy in her place as being a “poor fat girl who is who hangs with the colored folks,” and tries her best to put an end to Tracy’s dreams.
Tracy keeps getting sent to detention at school because of her well-sprayed huge hair (the Jackie O signature style of the era) and the detention room is full of African Americans who befriend and teach Tracy the liberal minded “black,” style of dancing, which I absolutely loved! One of the coolest parts was watching Ohio native and Orange High School graduate Josiah Rogers who plays “Seaweed J. Stubbs,” move across the stage with his stunning Baltimore-style dance moves.
After Tracy gets selected for the show, against the wishes of a prejudiced and cruel Velma Von
Tussle (Caroline Portner) the show’s producer, she works to put an end to Tracy’s plans to integrate the show.
(from L) Ashia Collins, Leiah Lewis and Kynnedi Moryaé Porter as “The Dynamites” in Hairspray. Photo: Jeremy Daniel.
I must admit the lyrics, (Dynamites, also known as Baltimore’s Dynamites, is the stage name for a rhythm and blues group formed by three black women-played by Leiah Lewis, Ashia Collens and Kynnedi Moryae Porter,) songs and dancing and most importantly the message behind the show was sublime! In today’s racial and political climate, you can appreciate the storyline and actor’s fervent demeanor. This story was set in a time that reflects the true nature of television where you didn’t see many Black faces on TV, especially not on the front of any stage and not for a significant amount of time. The message of love, racial and socioeconomic equality set the tone for this story through the eyes of Tracy. The costumes, colorful stage décor set the tone for music, fun and the end of the show (which has a special treat for guest.)
I truly enjoyed the show, and it is a must-see!
Hairspray is showing at Playhouse Squares Conner Palace now until December 10th! You can call 216-640-8800 or log onto playhousesquare.org.
Check it out and let me know what you think? Just don’t forget your hairspray!