'Hairspray' by Newbury Musical Theatre Company - My Review

Pictured: Gerald Mullings as Seaweed, Kathryn Cavanaugh as Penny, MacKenzie Huneke as Tracy and Thomas Bergamo as Link in ‘Hairspray’ Photo by Newbury Musical Theatre Company

Newbury Musical Theatre Company presented their eighth summer production this weekend in the Pomperaug High School auditorium with a wonderful production of ‘Hairspray.’

Director Jim Tornatore writes that the story of ‘Hairspray’ centers around a fictional TV dance show that featured all white teen dancers except for one day each month. It is based on John Waters’ memories of ‘The Buddy Dear Show,’ which was a local Baltimore show that ran from 1957 to 1964 but was taken off the air because the show was not able to integrate black and white dancers. Thankfully ‘The Corny Collins Show’ in ‘Hairspray’ has a different ending thanks to one hero named Tracy Turnblad.

Two-time Halo award winner Thomas Bergamo, who will be heading to WCSU for a BFA in Musical Theater, was smooth and down to earth as the heartthrob Link Larkin who makes Tracy “Hear the Bells.” MacKenzie Huneke was the ultimate Tracy Turnblad. She was bubbly and loveable as she brought her big voice to her dream role. Ms. Huneke is a WAMS graduate and will be attending SUNY Purchase in the fall to study Playwriting/Screenwriting. I am confident that we will be hearing from her in the future.

CLICK HERE TO READ MY ENTIRE REVIEW ON ONSTAGE.

The final performance of Newbury Musical Theatre Company’s ‘Hairspray’ will be on Sunday, July 26 at 2:00pm at Pomperaug and tickets are available at the door.