Great 'Hairspray' Over the River

Hairspray, a musical set against the backdrop of the racial tension permeating the air of Baltimore in 1962, delivers a social message in the form of humor and song. It is one of the most popular and beloved plays of all times.

There is a reason that this play is so hugely popular with multiple generations; its charming characters find their way into your heart and leave you thinking of them long after the last note flies through the air and the curtain drops. 

The Phoenix Productions revival, currently performing at Count Basie Theater, certainly doesn’t disappoint in this aspect. It brings the characters of Hairspray to the stage with all the vibrancies and talent of the original.

Mary DiGangi stars as Tracy Turnblatt, the loveably large girl who dreams of dancing on the Corny Collins Show, a popular dance TV show in Baltimore.

DiGangi is a delight from the moment she takes the stage sporting her shy smile and perfectly teased hair. DiGangi’s talents are numerous — she sings, she dances, she acts — all with the graceful ease of a well seasoned professional. She embodies the wide eyed innocence and naïve hopefulness of a teenager yet to be tainted by the harsh realities of the world.

The talent doesn’t stop with DiGangi, either. Gian Carlo Durland is hilarious as Edna, Tracy’s larger than life mother. A male playing the role of a woman can be a tight rope to walk, but Durland makes it look easy. He effortlessly channels the protectiveness of a mother, the emotional connection to a husband and the biting sarcasm necessary to do justice to the role of Edna.

Another delight to watch on the stage was Brynn Mosello, who played Penny Pingleton, Tracy’s ditzy and honest best friend.  Her comedic timing was excellent, delivering funny lines with the facial expressions to match. 

There was honest chemistry between her and Seaweed, played by the remarkable Drew Barkley. These two characters, both in their interaction together, and in their solo time on stage, was one of the unexpected highlights of the show.

The entire ensemble was filled with talented and memorable performances.  Danielle Goldstein channeled the phony, stuck up essence of Amber Von Tussle. 

Anthony Marone morphed into the teen idol of Link Larkin, fully embodying the coolness and confidence necessary for someone wishing to be the next Elvis.  Michael Dahlberg gave Wilbur Turnblad the loveable quirkiness that is essential for his character.

The entire cast was filled with powerful singers. The standout of the night was, without a doubt, from Diane Parker who played Motormouth Maybelle.  Her rendition of I Know Where I’ve Been was filled with intense emotion and power, and drew cheers and chills from the audience.

Phoenix Productions revival of Hairspray is everything a good play should be — entertaining, memorable and superbly performed.  It showcases some of the area’s best talent in such a high quality, professional way, that you won’t be missing Broadway for a minute. 

Hairspray will be at the Count Basie Theater Friday, July 22 through Sunday, July 24. For more information or tickets, please visit http://www.countbasietheatre.org/