Engeman's Hairspray A Socially-Aware Musical Spectacular

Hairspray, the winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, opened at the John W. Engeman Theater at Northport last week.

Adapted from John Waters' 1988 film, the show, which made its mark on Broadway in 2002, has lost none of its sparkle. An intoxicating, high spirited romp through the 1960s, it hits all of the high notes, and exceptionally so, in terms of casting, music, choreography, costumes and set design.

At the show’s conclusion — and trust me, no one wanted it to end — the players received one of the most resounding, heartfelt standing ovations ever. Hairspray, one of the finest productions to  grace the Engeman stage, is, in a word, spectacular.

Headlining the stellar cast of this musical nod to 1960s pop culture is Danielle Arci, who played Tracy Turnblad, the plus-size teen who sees the world through rose-colored glasses, during the 2009-2010 national tour. 

Despite overwhelming odds, Tracy wins a spot on the Corny Collins teen dance show and vies with Amber Van Tussle (Ashley Moniz) for the crown of Miss Teenage Hairspray. From her very first song, “Good Morning Baltimore,” Tracy’s enthusiasm for life and its challenges will capture your heart.

William Thomas Evans excels as the perpetually housecoat-clad, home-bound Edna Turnblad, who’ll receive a refresher course in self-esteem from her daughter.

The show is peppered with some of the funniest lines you’ll ever hear. The chemistry between cast members is electric, and theatergoers will be astounded with the layers of talent revealed as each player takes the spotlight. Who would imagine that Felicity Finley, last seen in The Sound of Music, who plays producer/villainess Velma Von Tussle, could twirl such a mean baton? 

Eric LaJuan Summers is a veritable dance machine, and his gift for comedy and song is showcased in his role as Seaweed. Penny Pingleton (Gina Milo),Tracy’s ditzy sidekick, who’ll make an amazing transformation, also won me over. Alex Michael Stoll, who plays teen heartthrob Link Larkin, has the charisma, good looks, and voice that the role demands. There’ll be a pint-sized surprise in the form of Madison Greene (Little Inez), the 12-year-old with golden vocal cords.

The show’s best songs include “I Can Hear The Bells,” “Mama, I’m A Big Girl Now,” “Without Love,” and “You Can’t Stop The Beat.”

In addition to the theme of self-acceptance, the show is moving in its treatment of integration. Terita Redd plays Motormouth Maybelle, and you’ll be blown away by her soul-searing rendition of “I Know Where I’ve Been,” a lament to the struggle for civil rights that dominated the 1960s.

Kudos go to Director Paul Stancato, choreographer Antoinette DiPietropolo, Musical Director Robert Rokicki, Scenic and Costume Designers Michael Bottari and Ronald Case, and Hair and Make-up Designer Mark Adam Rampmeyer for bringing such unbeatable entertainment to the Engeman stage. Casting Director Stephen DeAngelis’ choices are exemplary.

Hairspray runs through Aug. 28, but buy tickets early as this family friendly show will sell out early.  Tickets can be purchased at the box office, by calling 261-2900 or visiting www.engemantheater.com