Last night, my daughter and I were lucky enough to acquire tickets to a special preview of "Hairspray" staged by Atlantis Production at the Star Theater in the CCP Complex. Since the feel-good Broadway musical was just so recently given the Hollywood treatment again in the 2007 film with John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer and Zac Efron, the characters, story and songs are still quite fresh in my mind. And the thought of seeing these songs come alive on stage was very exciting.
The show opened a bit awkwardly with plus-sized teenager Tracy Turnblad (played by Ateneo junior Madel Ching in her major stage debut) in bed singing "Good Morning Baltimore." There were still microphone glitches at that point as Ching's lyrics could hardly be heard, but the energy and sincerity of her performance carried her through. However, starting with the second scene set at the Corny Collins (Leo Rayos) tv show, everything picked up more steam and this high level was sustained through the whole show.
The first thing you would see and admire are the vibrant costumes and very colorful set pieces. Everything was in multicolored polka dots or plaid or some psychedelic designs of the era. They should fix Amber's wig though as her hair was not neat and not most fab out there (considering that she was running for Miss Hairspray). There was no questioning why this is a Broadway hit, since the songs are very catchy and the choreography was very energetic. Of course, needless to say, the star-studded cast was so consistently exuberant!
I honestly could not imagine Michael de Mesa as Edna Turnblad (Tracy's mom) at first. But after the initial shock of seeing him in a fat suit and dowdy housedress, Mr. de Mesa definitely got into the groove of performing in drag. He is a scene stealer every time he appears on stage, and was especially funny with his various voice inflections. You really have to see it to believe it. My favorite was his very charming duet song and dance number with Leo Rialp (as Edna's husband Wilbur Turnblad) "You're Timeless to Me."
Ms. Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo was so effectively glamourous yet sinister as the villainess Velma von Tussle, as expected. Nyoy Volante's acting was so smooth and really grooved so fluidly as Seaweed J. Stubbs. I never thought he could dance very well. Dulce played Motormouth Maybelle with that right combination of sass and dignity. Her rendition of the power ballad "I Know Where I've Been" was a definite show-stopper. Ok, that may have been expected, but Ms. Dulce's funky outift and dancing was pleasantly not expected at all. It was so rad (to use an expression of that era).
It was really enjoyable seeing every single "teenager" on that stage, from the leads to the chorus, all projecting undeniable energy.
It was also very remarkable that the lead roles of Link Larkin and Tracy Turnblad both went to newcomers to the world of theater. Tim Espinosa had great stage presence, and a grand time flashing that constant smile and making all the girls swoon as the teen heartthrob Link. He was also effective in the more serious moments with Tracy. His rendition of "Ladies' Choice" may only be ok vocally, but hey, the attitude and moves were all there, and this was only their first public performance! I think this signals the arrival of another leading man for the stage.
As the heart and soul of the play, Madel Ching clearly loves her character Tracy and lives her spirit. She was obviously nervous at the beginning as her movements were tentative but lyrics were not too well enunciated. However with every subsequent song and dance number, you feel her confidence was building up to that of a seasoned pro. She possesses the requisite charm and friendliness of all the other Tracys before her, very cute!
I also liked how they staged "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now" (not in the 2007 film, featuring the three moms and daughters Tracy, Amber and Penny). And of course, who would not enjoy and even feel like dancing along to the finale number, "You Can't Stop the Beat"?
There were many young kids in the audience last night, including my 8 year old daughter. But there were some definite rated PG scenes, like grabbing of some body parts (by Ms. Enchang Kaimo no less!). But these were hilarious and all done in the spirit of clean fun!
Overall, the Atlantis production of "Hairspray" definitely retains its reputation as a pure feel-good crowd pleaser. It is really fun to watch! The color, glitz and energy of the whole production made it rise above the rather low key venue of the Star Theater, or the difficulty of portraying US racial issues using an all-Filipino cast. Congratulations to director Mr. Bobby Garcia and the rest of the cast and crew for a job very well done!
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Hairspray is directed by Bobby Garcia, choreography by Cecile Martinez, sets and costumes by Gino Gonzales, lighting design by Shoko Matsumoto and Musical Director Archie Castillo conducts FILharmoniKA. It runs from Nov. 14 to Dec. 7 at the Star Theatre, CCP Complex. Tickets are on sale now by calling Atlantis Productions at 892-7078, 840-1187 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.
Lower Orchestra Php 1,200 (Rows A-I)Upper Orchestra Php 1,000 (Rows J-S)Loge Php 800 (Rows T-X)Balcony Php 600 (Rows Y-Z)
Lower Orchestra Php 1,200 (Rows A-I)Upper Orchestra Php 1,000 (Rows J-S)Loge Php 800 (Rows T-X)Balcony Php 600 (Rows Y-Z)
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