Based on the colorful and over-the-top movie by John Waters, the brash and bold musical “Hairspray” is something we’d have expected from James Blackman and the Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities. But now they are gone, seeking to establish footing in San Pedro’s Warner Grand Theatre, and stepping into the local picture is 3-D Theatricals, an energetic company out of Orange County. They’ve started bringing shows into the South Bay, specifically to Blackman’s old haunt, the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, having hit us with “Avenue Q” and “I Love a Piano.”
At this point, although they have longer runs in Fullerton’s Plummer Auditorium, 3-D’s performances span just one weekend. That’s hardly time enough for Word of Mouth to put on its hat and coat let alone make it to the door.
The Plummer production of “Hairspray,” however, has garnered excellent reviews: Eric Marchese of Backstage gave it an “A” and Michael L. Quintos of Broadway World.com called it a “fun, bubbly show” and said we’d have “a guaranteed feel-good time.” Some of the actors even survived earlier incarnations of the musical.
What’s it all about, Alfie? Well, first of all, we’re in Baltimore and the year is 1962, which means we’re a couple of years shy of the British Invasion. American culture was on life support. Teenager Tracy Turnblad, plump as a pigeon, has a dream fulfilled when she appears on “The Corny Collins Show,” She dances, and becomes an instant celebrity. Then she uses her new-found muscle to get the show integrated. Thus, if for no other reason, by addressing issues of segregation and social injustice, at least on the nerdy teen show circuit, “Hairspray” adds some progressive heft to its loud, partyland delivery.
Or at least that’s how I remember it.
“Hairspray” opened in 2002 and walked off with eight Tony Awards out of 13 nominations. Scott Wittman wrote the lyrics and Marc Shaiman the music; the book was written by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan. This latest endeavor features the musical direction of Allen Everman and the choreography of Dana Solimando. The company’s versatile T.J. Dawson directs.
It’s colorful, it’s big, and it’s bouncy, and it stars Danielle Arci as Tracy Turnblad, Paul Vogt as Edna Turnblad, Barry Pearl as Wilbur Turnblad, Gwen Stewart as Motormouth Maybelle, Jeff Stanfield as Link Larkin, Jill Van Velzer as Velma Von Tussle, J. Patrick Lundquist as Corny Collins, Alyssa M. Simmons as Penny Pingleton, and Laura L. Thomas as Amber Von Tussle.
Hairspray is onstage Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., plus Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m., in the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., R.B. Tickets, $35 to $65. Call (714) 589-2770 or go to 3dtshows.com.
