(Mark Goucher Ltd)
The most phenomenal talent has been brought together to wow audiences with this bubbly, feel good musical about a girl, from Baltimore, who dreams of a better world for all, no matter what shape, size or colour you happen to be.
Making her professional debut, in the lead role of Tracy Turnblad, is Rebecca Mendoza, who shines bright along side the seasoned pros with her powerful vocals, hilarious characterisation and boundless energy. Matt Rixon is absolutely perfect as Edna and Norman Pace is adorable as Wilbur. They charm the audience as Tracy’s parents with their comical, yet endearing, duet, ‘Timeless To Me’. The Turnblads are just an average American family, until they are thrust into the limelight when Tracy auditions for a TV show and ends up becoming an activist for equal rights.
Gina Murray and Aimee Moore are wonderfully dislikable as the scheming mother and daughter team, Velma and Amber Von Tussle, who are determined to scupper Tracy’s plans. Luckily she has TV show host, Corny Collins, on her side, played by the devilishly handsome, Jon Tsouras, whose performance is as cheerful as his suits. Annalise Liard-Bailey, with her amazing vocals, is at Tracy’s side as her best friend, Penny Pingleton, who falls for the exotic moves of Seaweed, perfectly executed by the very flexible, Layton Williams. Edward Chitticks is lovely as Tracy’s unexpected love interest Link Larkin, while the incredible Brenda Edwards gives the most awe inspiring performance as Motormouth Maybelle.
The ensemble also ooze with talent, each and every one proving their metal from beginning to end. Local lad, Drew McOnie, provides the cast with exquisite choreography, which they present with precision and unwavering energy. Director, Paul Kerryson, brings a gritty freshness to the script, keeping focus on the story and its message and although Takis’ set design seems clumsy and distracting, at times, his new costume design is simply stunning! Musical Director, Ben Atkinson, and his band are faultless, with their accompaniment of this memorable score.
The casting of this new production is absolutely superb and is certainly what makes this tour of Hairspray the best yet! Make sure you get to see it! It runs in Birmingham until Saturday before continuing on to other venues until June next year.
5 stars
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