Review: HAIRSPRAY at the Crown Theater

From the moment the curtain went up on HAIRSPRAY, the audience was transported back to a time when dreams were big, hair was even longer, and dance moves were irresistible. This feel-good musical, crafted with infectious energy and catchy tunes, delivered an evening of pure entertainment that left the audience with hearts racing and smiles on their faces. The show’s spectacular song and dance numbers, performed by a talented cast and ensemble, created an atmosphere of joy and celebration that was impossible to resist.

Perhaps HAMA Productions’ timing of HAIRSPRAY’s opening was deliberate, because if there’s one musical that’s right for the start of spring, it’s this one. Maybe it was just time for a big show with feel-good moments, or maybe it was time to party. Either way, Perth is in for a treat with this upbeat, heartwarming musical that has a message to share.

WAAPA graduate Paige Fallu leads the cast as Tracy Turnblad. In a role known for its energy and big songs, Fallu fits the brief perfectly, not least because of the slightly over-the-top energy the role demands, delivered in a way that felt more familiar than forced, allowing the audience to be taken along not just on Tracy’s journey, but on the important journey at the heart of the show. As Tracy’s mother is Rob Palmer, and while musical theatre may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Palmer, he is undoubtedly an entertainer, a quality he displayed flawlessly. Palmer stars alongside Brendan Hanson (Wilbur Turnblad), with the two clearly having a lot of fun working together, which feeds directly into their duet for (You are) timeless to mewhich is both comforting and exciting.

The two villains of the series are Chelsey Plumley as Velma Von Tussle and Elaina O’Connor as Amber Von Tussle. Plumley plays her role with hilarious wit and verve, mirrored by O’Connor, the duo providing plenty of laughs throughout the series. Joshua Firman is the long-haired TV personality Corny Colins, bringing all the personality and charm needed for a TV star of the time, while John Berry is a highlight as Link Larkin, not only for the somewhat refreshing change his character undergoes, but also for fitting perfectly with what the show is going for.

Bella McSporran is another highlight, endearing herself to the audience almost immediately as the clumsy but funny Penny Pingleton, and Jacob Steen brings the spark to change the show as Seaweed, showing how change can be brought about through dance. Marlee Nzima, in her debut, shows exceptional talent and refinement as Little Inez, and Paula Parore as the poetic Motormouth Maybelle is a real delight, with her impassioned delivery I know where I’ve been being an absolutely breathtaking sight.

HAIRSPRAY draws on a large cast of talented individuals, with several very large-scale song and dance numbers performed with the energy and power required by the show. With Vincent Hooper directing, talent is everywhere, and Hooper brings to the show backstage what he always has: energy, humor, but also room for a message. Choreographer Thern Reynolds, meanwhile, not only uses the talents of the actors, but infuses the small and large dance numbers with modern movements performed in a 60s style, adding another dimension to an already rich show.

Despite its humorous side, its clueless characters, and its many love stories, the theme of integration is truly central to HAIRSPRAY. Tracy must combat the prejudices against her because of her size while also combating society’s prejudices against others because of their race. Using plenty of humor and heart (and some great song and dance numbers), the messages are delivered as an invitation rather than a lecture, and it’s almost impossible not to want to dance along to the show’s ending. Indeed, the show’s breathtaking finale, You can’t stop the rhythm is a perfect example, as it’s hard to avoid dancing and singing along to this wonderful song of self-acceptance and societal acceptance. With catchy beats, wonderful dancing, and a very important message, HAIRSPRAY is sure to ignite something in you.

HAIRSPRAY is at the Crown Theatre until September 28. Tickets and more information via Crown Perth.

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