One of the most vibrant and well-executed productions I’ve seen done locally is currently playing at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Co-directors and choreographers Morgan Kaplan and Andrew Maynerich and their creative, hard-working team have staged a non-stop, upbeat show that’s guaranteed to take audience members to their much-needed happy place. Not unlike walking through a fog of Aqua Net, the experience will stick with you long after you leave the theater.
The musical Hairspray has a long-standing reputation for pleasing audiences and receiving praise. Based on the 1988 John Waters film of the same name, the musical won eight Tony Awards in 2008, including best musical. Locally, productions have won the Best Theater Performance accolade from Illinois Times voters and repeatedly attracts performers who have a real affinity for it. Kaplan and Maynerich themselves were in a 2011 production together. Interestingly, that production was directed by Craig Williams, II, who currently plays the iconic role of Edna Turnblad.
“We actually were dance partners in a few of the dances,” Kaplan said. “Something that is extra special is that the 2011 production was directed by Craig Williams II, and now we are directing him as our Edna. It feels kind of full circle!”
Colia Cole, who shines as the platinum blond Motormouth Maybelle, credits that 2011 version as what first inspired her to get involved in theater.
For Williams, who again directed the show in 2016, he feels like Hairspray and its message keeps finding him.
“Love, courage and seeing people for who they really are is the root of the entire story, and it’s brought to life in a big way,” he said.
For Matt Woodson, who previously played T.V. show host Corny Collins and is now in the role of love interest Link Larken, the musical is a favorite.
“Hairspray is one of those shows where I never get tired of the music. All of the songs are very catchy, and the dancing in the show is always so much fun!” He added, “The most exciting part about being in (this) show is being involved with a cast that is fully committed to always giving their best effort at every rehearsal.”
That commitment definitely shows.
If you know or have seen Hairspray, you’re already familiar with its merits. There are several lovable and quirky characters, a fantastic score with multiple memorable tunes, and a story of acceptance and belonging which drives the dance-fueled action.
Set in 1960s Baltimore, the show follows Tracy Turnblad, a plucky, plus-sized teenager who dreams of dancing on the local Corny Collins TV show. When she wins a spot on the program, she becomes an overnight star. Risking, as Motormouth Maybelle puts it, “a whole lot of ugly coming at you from a whole lot of stupid,” Tracy is empowered by newfound friendships within the Black community and uses her platform to campaign for racial integration on the show.
As our determined heroine, Tracy Turnblad, Sophie Carpenter exudes pure joy. The character is written to embody optimism and hopeful determination, and Carpenter rises to this calling and beyond. She’s clearly having the time of her life, and it’s contagious.
As her mother, Edna, Craig Williams II sweetly evolves from frumpy housewife to confident fashionista. John O’Connor is a gleeful and supportive Wilbur Turnblad, owner of the Hardy Har Shop. During Edna and Wilburn’s number, “You’re Timeless to Me,” it was hard not to notice the smiles on the faces of the people around me. That pretty much sums up the effect this show can have on you.
I could praise every production quality in detail because there are no weak spots to be found. All of the actors are spot on — each bringing the right amount of charm, soul, lovableness or mean-girl vibe. The sets pop with vibrant colors and shapes; the orchestra led by Meredith Crifasi is remarkably good; finely turned vocal/musical direction by Damien Kaplan and impeccable costumes by Rene Blank are also high-points. Era-specific hair design, make up, props, lights and sound all coalesce to form the perfect up-do of a heartfelt musical.
Both nostalgic and timely, Kaplan stresses the important message behind the high-energy musical.
“Hairspray is a story about belonging. I think that’s a pretty universal desire and experience; the longing to be a part of something and feel like you have found your place and your people, and being accepted for who you are and for your individual lived experience.”
For Maynerich, “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
Hairspray runs Aug. 22-23 and Aug. 28-30 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in the LRS Theatre. Friday and Saturday performances will start at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees will start at 2 p.m. Get tickets at hctfa.org/tickets.
