‘Hairspray’ Is Musical Theatre Perfection

Marriott's infectious new staging of the Tony winning juggernaut, Hairspray, is director Marc Robin's greatest work to date. From the impeccable casting of Ross Lehman and Marissa Perry, to reinvented choreography befitting the in-the-round setting, Robin proves there is no director outside of Broadway that can tackle this genre better.

Hairspray is John Waters' ode to the 1960's and is no doubt one of the greatest pop culture musicals ever to be penned. Having its origin as a 1988 film for the late Divine which also launched Ricki Lake's career into stardom, Hairspray explores the civil rights movement in a satirical, yet honest way, all based on true life events from the Buddy Deane Show (Corny Collins for the film and stage production). The plot focuses on Tracy Turnblad (Ms. Perry), a Baltimore girl with big hair and big dreams, who has only one passion in life – to dance on The Corny Collins Show and meet the boy of her dreams, Link Larkin. When her chance arrives, she grooves her way into instant stardom and, as any good romantic story would have, to the eyes of teen dream Link Larkin (Billy Harrington Tighe). But with the program's scheming stage manager (Hollis Resnik) against her, Tracy's goal to have every day be ‘Negro Day' is in jeopardy. Thus, trend-setting Tracy will need the help of her best friend Penny (Heidi Kettenring), her big-hearted mother and sassy co-host Motormouth Maybelle (E. Faye Butler) to show the world that all it takes to make a dream come true is a determination, showtunes, and a little Hairspray!HAIRSPRAY--RossLehman,MarissaPerry,BillyHarriganTighe

Marc Robin's major objective as a director has always been to ground his work in realism, no matter how unreal a plot can be. This grounding is never more present than his brilliant casting of Ross Lehman as Edna. As a ode to Divine, Lehman is decked out in the film actor's original make up, with the blue eye shadow and expressive eye brows almost an exact replica. Mr. Lehman is first and foremost , Tracy's mother and it is that relationship that propels this story along. Having seen most Edna's to don the stage, from Mr. Fierstein , and Michael McKean to my friend Bruce Vilanch, needless to say, because of Robin, Mr. Lehman's is the most honest telling of a mother-daughter relationship. Marissa Perry, who was the final Tracy on Broadway knows this role and has one of the finest voices heard in a very long time. Because of Ms. Perry's familiarity with Tracy, she is able to give her other actors much confidence to work off of. This chemistry is shown foremost with Ms. Kettenring. who is an hysterical ‘Penny' and it is such a thrill to hear her alto belt in full force again.

Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman's score has never sounded better, with a first rate ensemble, including Josh Breckenridge as Seaweed who brings down the house with his ode to Sammy Davis, Jr., ‘Run & Tell That' and the ‘Wonderful' Gene Weygandt is a perfect hubby to Lehman and makes the song ‘Timeless To Me' worth the price of admission. Then of course, our favorite Bernie Yvon who is the corniest Collins I can remember. Yvon's performance is also notable as for the first time, one really sees what a catalyst Collins was, via the John Waters book, for the integration movement as well.

Then there is E. Faye Butler, who is transforming in the role of Motormouth Mable and is without a doubt the finest actress and vocalist to inhabit the role either on or off Broadway and film. Poignant and powerful, Ms. Butler is the crown jewel of this production and will be the Motormouth for which others will now have to be compared.10.asset.35

Musical Direction by Ryan T. Nelson is pitch perfect and Robert E. Gilmartin, III's crystal clear sound design is a welcome change from the last production to inhabit the space. Costume Design by Michael Bottari and Ronald Case, are fun as well as elegant (Tracy's ‘mirror' dress is quite stunning) and Gerard Kelly's wig design is worthy of an award on its own merit.

Hairspray runs through December 6, 2009. The performance schedule for all shows is Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $45.00, excluding tax and handling fees. A $5.00 discount for students and seniors is valid for all performances excluding Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. With the purchase of a $55 ticket on Wednesdays or Thursdays, dinner is included at the King's Wharf Restaurant or the Fairfield Inn (based on dining availability). Dinners on Friday, Saturday and Sunday range from $32 – $43 per person (includes tax). Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets with a major credit card, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.