Good to have at least a Little Hairspray!

I saw a professional production of Hairspray a couple of years ago in Leeds on a UK Tour.  My friend and I were especially excited seeing York Stage Musicals's amateur production at York's Grand Opera House.  

Maya Tether as Tracy

Photo Credit: yorkstagemusicals

Based on John Water's film, Hairspray is set in Baltimore during the early 1960s where race segregation was still then a fact of life and unsurprisingly at the time segregated dance shows took pace.  Tracy, played by Maya Tether, has plans to make everyday 'Negro Day'.  However she is challenged by the manipulative and scheming Velma Von Tussle, played by Toni Feetenby, and her concerned and petty daughter, Amber Von Tussle, played by Robyn McIntrye.  They both are determined for Tracy not to contest for the coveted pageant crown.

 The Company

Photo Credit: yorkstagemusicals

Hairspray is known for its popular songs composed by Mark Sharman and written by Scott Whitman and Shaiman.  There is the positive opening from Tracy's Good Morning Baltimore; the optimistic Welcome to the 60s; the romantic Without Love; and the poignant, soulful and moving I know Where I've Been.  The highlight certainly was the ensemble singing You Can't Stop The Beat which always draw the audience to tap their feet and dance away.

The Company

Photo Credit: yorkstagemusicals

The colours are larger than life, symbolising the musical's personality, which is reflected in the incredible costumes and the detailed intricate staging beautifully done by Scenic Projects. Nick Duncan's lighting blended in nicely on stage and the disco's ball 'glitter' reflects the party feel and atmosphere of a dance contest.

The Company

Photo Credit: yorkstagemusicals

Andy Stone as Wilbur Turnblad 

and Joe Wawrzyniak as Edna Turnblad

Photo Credit: yorkstagemusicals

The outstanding performance must be from Joe Wawrzyniak as Edna Turnblad.  This excellent portrayal of larger than life warm hearted character wasn't unnoticed.  All the cast are outstanding and a job well done! This feel good show brings out a number of themes for reflection such as race and women equality and the 1960s, the decade that brought big social changes as shown in the innuendos.  Anyway it's always good to have at least a little hairspray!