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Stars explained: * A production of no real merit
with failings in all areas. ** A production showing evidence of not
enough time or effort, or even talent, and which never breathes any real
life into the piece – or a show lumbered with a terrible script. *** A
good enjoyable show which might have some small flaws but has largely
achieved what it set out to do.**** An excellent show which shows a
great deal of work and stage craft with no noticeable or major
flaws.***** A four star show which has found that extra bit of magic
which lifts theatre to another plane. |
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Youth having a good hair day
Georgia Towler as Tracy Turnblad has her heart and feet set on a spot on her local TV station's teen dance show Hairspray Youth Onstage Dovehouse Theatre, Olton **** FORMED nine years ago, Youth Onstage
chose this Marc Shaiman musical hit for their 18th production and it's
proving a trim and tidy triumph for the young cast. They handle the story of ‘pleasantly plump'
schoolgirl Tracy Turnblad's drive to succeed on a local TV dance show,
and at the same time challenge racism in 1960s Baltimore, with
remarkable skill and enthusiasm. All the lead players fit comfortably into their
roles, act and sing well and complement Suzy Bleasdale's lively
choreography after the enjoyable opening number, Good Morning
Baltimore, which sets the tone. Georgia Towler – suitably padded up for the
occasion – is a delight as Tracy, a girl with a big hairdo and heart to
match, and John Glennon in drag proves an excellent Edna Turnblad, the
youngster's amusing laundrywoman mum (a role perfected on the
professional stage by Brian Conley). An impressive performance, too, from Hannah
Brook, playing the arrogant and jealous Amber Von Tussle who is peeved
that Tracy has her eyes on her handsome boyfriend, Link Larkin, lead
male dancer on the TV show.
James Hudson is convincing as Larkin, torn
between the two girls, and Kitty Campbell has some outstanding moments
as the prejudiced TV show boss Velma Von Tussle. Then along comes Jasmine Rawlins (record shop
owner Motormouth Maybelle), She reveals a lovely voice that makes you
sit up and take notice, particularly in I Know Where I've Been. Dominic Harris (Seaweed J. Stubbs), is another
fine performer, while Ellie Snowden shows a genuine flair for comedy as
Tracy's best pal, Penny Lou Pingleton) and there are strong
contributions from Chris Tierney (Corny Collins), Samara Rawlins (Little
Inez), Gwill Milton (Wilbur Turnblad) and James Prescott (Harriman F.
Spritzer). And the award for the biggest and warmest smile
in the show must go to little Jay Alves, a really cute lad in the
chorus. You couldn't miss his enthusiasm. Bubbly Tracy's pursuit of stardom and successful
campaign against racism in a splendid show is soundly directed by Deb
Brook, with Andy Johnson's musical direction. To 03.12.11 Paul Marston |
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