Random Thoughts of an Otaku

08:19 am - Hairspray the Musical Thoughts (Minor Spoilers)

I went to see Hairspray on Saturday night in NYC and had a blast. I know the true bits of the story. There was a show called the Buddy Dean show on WJZ-TV in Baltimore that was a white only show. The show never integrated, but instead just shut down production. It was a ground breaking show that was a ton of fun for it's time. This show is part of John Waters inspiration for the original movie and the musical.

If you want to have dinner in the Theatre District, try Sofia's Italian Restaurant across the street from the Marriott Marquis and the Tkts booth. It has great Northern Italian food. I had soup, dinner and drink for about $25.00. It was worth the money and probably less than had I eaten at Gallagher's Steak house next to the theatre.

The show is about this girl Tracy Turnblad who tries to get on the Corny Collins show in 1962 Baltimore. Along the way, she tries to break the show's color barrier and win Miss Teen Hairspray. Melissa Perry as Tracy Turnblad is great. This is her big broadway break and has alot of shine and passion for the role of Tracy Turnblad.

George Wendt is Edna Turnblad. Guys are the only one who play the role of Edna's mother in the musical, since the original movie had Miss Divine (a crossdresser from Baltimore) in the origianl role of Edna. I have not seen Harvey Feinstein's performance (Broadway's original), so I only have the original movie to compare. George Wendt does an amazing job as Edna with good musical and comedic chops of his own.

Other notables on the cast include Darlene Love as Motormouth Maybelle. She nearly stole the show with her song in the show. Kevin Meaney (from the TV series Uncle Buck and Comedy Central specials) is the principal and a couple of other bit roles.

The music is what makes it a great show. Several songs are running through my head right now including Good Morning Baltimore and You can't stop the beat. This show is worth full price on Broadway or where you can see it in person. http://www.hairsprayontour.com/ for the touring production of Hairspary.

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