Friday, February 11, 2011

'Hairspray' by Sierra Rep...An Exhilirating Fun Time ~By, Charity Maness

Baltimore, 1962, a time of change, new music, new hairstyles, new ideas, and desegregation.
Sierra Repertory Theatre pulls off a fully entertaining rendition of the great Broadway musical ‘Hairspray’ with invigorating excitement. From the moment the lights went down to the moment the audience was on their feet with a standing ovation was pure adrenaline rush. The music, the dancing, the storyline all managed to capture the audience and keep them laughing, tapping their toes, and sometimes singing along to songs of days gone by.
For teen Tracy Turnblad, played by Raquel Sandler, 1962 was a year for change. Her dream to be on the most popular dance show on tv drove her to audition regardless of her girth. Swinging and shaking her way into the hearts of some of the dance show regulars Tracy learned about love, the true meaning of friendship and that beauty is only skin deep. Dealing with the tough subject of desegregation in a world that was seemingly not ready to face that issue, Tracy embraced the issue wholeheartedly, managing to sway many of her dancing friends and family in the right direction.
Though the play has a strong theme, the incredible energy that was exuded by the entire cast left this writer’s cheeks sore from smiling so much. While it would seem normal at this time to highlight the acting expertise of one or another of the many talented actors, it must be said that all put forward an amazing production, though it was Edna Turnblad, played by Jimmy Ferraro, that stole the show. Whether it was the hilarious lines he was given, the ad lib when things seemed to go awry, or the phenomenal acting, one may never know, but it was sure that if Edna was on stage the hilarity of the situation kicked up a notch.
An exhilarating performance.
For more information on show times and dates visit http://www.sierrarep.com/

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