Theater review
Toby's ‘Hairspray' is a nostalgic revival
Production of John Waters' tribute to 1960s Baltimore showcases top performances
“Hairspray,” John Waters' nostalgic tribute to 1960s Baltimore, is back at Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia in a nostalgic gem of a revival.
The show played at Toby's in 2010, and the current production might be even a notch above that standout show.
Based on Waters' 1988 film, the show — with book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan and music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman — should provide a blast from the past for fans of WJZ's 1960s “Buddy Deane Show.”
“Hairspray” won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Original Score and had a near-record run on Broadway.
At Toby's, director and choreographer Mark Minnick draws top performances from his cast, showcasing members' dancing, singing and acting sparkle.
Musical director Ross Scott Rawlings brings excitement to upbeat musical numbers such as “Good Morning, Baltimore” and “You Can't Stop the Beat,” along with fresh nuance to such ballads as “You're Timeless to Me” and “Without Love.”
Also contributing to this production is set designer David Hopkins, who creates a convincing 1960s Baltimore landscape and a TV studio for the “Corny Collins Show.” Lighting designer Lynn Joslin creates a bandstand complete with lights blinking to the beat.
Heading the cast in her Toby's debut is Catholic University student Christie Graham as Tracy Turnblad. Graham is a vocal standout, doing full justice to a dynamite “Good Morning, Baltimore” followed by an intensely expressive “I Can Hear the Bells.”
Graham is an equally strong dancer, holding her own as she learns fancy moves from top dancer Seaweed Stubbs, played by Andre Hinds.
Gabriella DeLuca displays strong vocal and dance skills as reigning dance princess Amber Von Tussle. Amber is assured of having her every demand catered to by her ambitious mother Velma, the “Corny Collins Show” producer perfectly played by Heather Marie Beck reprising her 2010 role.
Most noteworthy of Toby's leading repertory players is Annapolis resident Lawrence Munsey as Edna — the drag role originated by Harvey Fierstein on Broadway and played by John Travolta in the movie musical version.
Having enjoyed Fierstein's portrayal on Broadway, I'd rank Munsey's as equally high with his stellar dancing and singing.
Munsey invests the Edna role with more panache, humor, warmth and heart, and his authentic-sounding “Baltimorese” ranks at the top of the cast.
Edna transitions from frumpy house dresses to floating queen-size gowns — which were designed by Munsey. His portrayal sets new standards for seductive feminine moves, enchanting stage husband Wilbur, played by notable Toby's regular David James.
James reprises his 2010 role as adoring husband, father and joke store proprietor, delivering an improved version of a role he already owned.
James also has formidable song-and-dance skills, which are fully used as he pairs with Munsey in “You're Timeless to Me.” The number casts a warm glow and becomes a high point of the show.
Another notable reprisal of a role is Jeffery Shankle's Corny Collins. Phenomenal song-and-dance man Shankle gives Corny added spunk as he stands up to Heather Marie Beck's Velma Von Tussle.
One who is not reprising a role but setting new standards for dance excellence is Anne Arundel Community College alumnus Hinds in the role of Seaweed Stubbs.
Hinds reveals noteworthy singing ability and credible acting skills along with amazing dance skills. Hinds impresses here with athletic prowess and sensitive partnering.
As Seaweed's love interest, Penny Pingleton, Sophie Schulman proves a fine match.
Other excellent players include Kelli Blackwell as Motormouth Maybelle, young Noelle Robinson as Little Inez and Justin Calhoun as heartthrob Link Larkin.
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