You can’t stop the beat at Grand Opera House York this week – as the smash hit Hairspray The Musical continues on its sell-out UK Tour.
Just a big girl with a big heart, chasing an even bigger dream. Teenager Tracy Turnblad doesn’t ask for much; with her eager optimism, she simply wishes for the opportunity to dance – and whilst doing so to support the much-needed change within the segregated city of 1960s Baltimore.
With up-do hair and a can-do attitude, she’s ready to break all boundaries, proudly protesting for the right for integration and underpinning the key message of acceptance throughout.
Hairspray The Musical is at Grand Opera House York from Monday 28 October to Saturday 2 November.
Whilst Tracy was our hopeful heroine, the true heroes of last night’s opening night performance (Monday) were our fabulous understudies – eight in total – who were a true testament to the talent levels within this overall exemplary cast. Whether returning faces, canty covers or super swings, each and every member of the company filled the stage with infectious energy and enthusiasm.
The staging was simplistic yet effective; with moving set pieces enabling us to step with ease into both the Turnblad’s front room and the contrasting prison-like rulings of the Pingleton home. Although the projections didn’t quite match the high-quality production standard of Takis’ colourful costume design, they did serve a practical purpose providing useful context throughout.
There is certainly no doubt who our leading lady was – Katie Brace was the perfect groundbreaking and hip-shaking Tracey Turnblad, a delight to watch from start to finish. Brace’s facial expressions alone could have told the story; every smile, eyebrow raise, and eye roll captured the essence of Tracy. For two and a half hours, this was simply her world and we were happily living in it.
Accompanying Brace onstage was a plethora of talent, including her doting parents Stuart Hickey as Edna and Dermot Canavan as Wilbur. Their duet ‘You’re Timeless To Me’ enabled us to witness their wonderful chemistry and comedic timing, with an encore happily welcomed by the audience.
Allana Taylor and Kirsty Sparks portrayed our villains, mother/daughter duo Amber and Velma Von Tussle – Taylor’s feisty attitude and distinctive laugh were perfection and Sparks was truly the queen of mean, with an impressive ability to sing whilst being carried upside down!
If you’re a fan of the John Walters 1988 classic or the 2007 remake, you will be eagerly anticipating the stunning soundtrack, and you will not be disappointed! ‘I Can Hear the Bells’, ‘Without Love’, ‘Good Morning Baltimore’ and of course the fabulous finale ‘You Can’t Stop the Beat’ are included, and accompanied with excellent choreography by Drew McOnie.
And whilst these upbeat classics will no doubt have your toes tapping, the standout number of the entire production was ‘I Know Where I’ve Been’, performed sensationally by our Motormouth Maybelle Michelle Ndegwa. Its poignant and powerful message serves as an anthem for the resilience, hopefulness and passion in the ongoing fight for racial equality. Proving that whilst this musical is a cheesy delight, the themes inspire a message of perseverance and unity.
Forget hairspray – this show bottles pure joy! Run and Tell That and grab your tickets for an unforgettable evening of fun.
Hairspray The Musical is at the Grand Opera House until Saturday 2 November. Tickets start from £26 and are available online here.