Noda Review - Katharine Carradus
This is a show fighting for what you believe to be right. Set in 1962 Baltimore, it tells the tale of overcoming discrimination in both size and colour. Hairspray is about escapism but most of all fun, from the beginning the enthusiasm which came over was electric, with all the cast singing and dancing their hearts out. Leading the fun was Daniel MacCreedy in the role of Edna Turnblad playing the larger than life mother of daughter Tracy, and wife of Wilbur Turnblad, played by Mark Stillwell. These two had a very good rapport between them, they really were a double act, and I thought that their duet ‘ You’re Timeless To Me’ was great.
Natasha McKenzie playing Tracy Turnblad was quite excellent in the lead role, she sang and danced her heart out, and with best friend Penny played superbly well by Jen Walker, formed a great duet, very well done. The pushy mother character of Velma Von Tussle portrayed well by Liz Turnbull, and her spoiled brat daughter Amber was very well played by Evie Askew. I did enjoy Peter McGuckin as Link Larkin, Tracy’s teenage heartthrob and Graham Hawley playing Corny Collins the TV host. What a good character performance by Adam MacCreedy as Seaweed, I really liked the way he portrayed this role, a very talented young man. What a great rendition of ‘Big Blonde and Beautiful’, sung by Kimberley Fisher as Motormouth Maybelle. There was good support from other characters including Chelsea Fisher as Little Inez.
The chorus all sang well, and the various ensembles were confident throughout. I liked the costumes, the sets were good, so was lighting and sound, the choreography enhanced the show. I thought that the orchestra was good, but just at times a little loud and not forgetting all the production team, backstage crew and front of house, all played their parts.
This was a big confident show and was infectiously enjoyable. Thank you for a great evening’s entertainment and as always over the years your hospitality. Also many congratulations on your 110th anniversary.
Natasha McKenzie playing Tracy Turnblad was quite excellent in the lead role, she sang and danced her heart out, and with best friend Penny played superbly well by Jen Walker, formed a great duet, very well done. The pushy mother character of Velma Von Tussle portrayed well by Liz Turnbull, and her spoiled brat daughter Amber was very well played by Evie Askew. I did enjoy Peter McGuckin as Link Larkin, Tracy’s teenage heartthrob and Graham Hawley playing Corny Collins the TV host. What a good character performance by Adam MacCreedy as Seaweed, I really liked the way he portrayed this role, a very talented young man. What a great rendition of ‘Big Blonde and Beautiful’, sung by Kimberley Fisher as Motormouth Maybelle. There was good support from other characters including Chelsea Fisher as Little Inez.
The chorus all sang well, and the various ensembles were confident throughout. I liked the costumes, the sets were good, so was lighting and sound, the choreography enhanced the show. I thought that the orchestra was good, but just at times a little loud and not forgetting all the production team, backstage crew and front of house, all played their parts.
This was a big confident show and was infectiously enjoyable. Thank you for a great evening’s entertainment and as always over the years your hospitality. Also many congratulations on your 110th anniversary.