VALDOSTA —
The realization comes early in Peach State Summer Theatre’s “Hairspray.”
This locally produced professional musical is better than the movie version starring John Travolta. It’s better than the professional touring show that visited Valdosta early last year.
Once this realization hits, PSST!’s “Hairspray” never disappoints.
The married director-choreographer team respectively of Dr. Randy Wheeler and Jacque Wheeler create a nonstop entertainment extravaganza. From their direction and dance steps to Tom Hansen’s colorful sets to Genny Wynn’s masterful lighting to Esther Iverson’s stunning costumes to Tera Willis’ wig designs to Paul A. Neal’s masterful direction of the live orchestra, PSST!’s “Hairspray” is a triumph.
Nearly every production number is a show stopper. That’s not much of an exaggeration. The Wheelers reveal their hands as deft jugglers. Several “Hairspray” characters could steal the show, from the expected principals to surprising supporting performances. This could become a tug of war but is instead a synthesis of larger-than-life characters each enjoying their turns in the spotlight. The Wheelers have granted the cast a lot of room for fun while keeping a tight rein on the pacing. They are artful ringmasters of a brilliant three-ring circus.
The entire cast shines in this production. Kyle Downing is spot-on as dance show idol Link Larkin. Barbara Dare Thomas and Hillary Smith are sinister treats as the plotting biased Von Tussles. Jonathan Butts is graceful as Seaweed J. Stubbs. Andrew Edward Thomas Jr. inspires laughs playing zany Turnblad patriarch Wilbur.
Miquela Rivers is a sensation as the rhyming DJ Motormouth Maybelle. Her performance of “I Know Where I’ve Been” puts the soul into this musical comedy about defying perceptions and racial integration on a 1960s Baltimore dance show.
The character of best friend Penny Pingleton is an uproarious surprise but not for audiences familiar with the performer behind the role. Laura Wright’s quirky dance moves and comic timing turn Penny into a gem. Wright proved just as adept at singing and comedies in the title role of Valdosta State University’s “Sweet Charity” last season and as best friend Carrie Pipperidge in PSST!’s ongoing “Carousel.” A joy throughout “Hairspray.”
H. Duke Guthrie has wanted to play Edna Turnblad for several years. His performance in this female role traditionally played by men is worth the wait. Guthrie has a swaggering good time as Mrs. Turnblad and so does the audience with his performance. Though he literally towers over the rest of the cast, Guthrie creates an Edna that is tender as well as bombastic, vulnerable but tough. Guthrie’s Edna and Thomas’ Wilbur brought down the house with their performance of the duet “You’re Timeless to Me.” Duke Guthrie’s Edna is unforgettable.
Sara DelBeato beats at the heart of this show as Tracy Turnblad, the young gal who courageously seeks the life she wishes to live while racially integrating the TV dance show. With only the rare exceptions, DelBeato remains on stage throughout the run of this show. Her Tracy sings and stands up for her beliefs; she dreams and dances. Through her powerful voice, comic timing, fine dancing and nonstop energy, Sara DelBeato reminds everyone that “Hairspray” is Tracy Turnblad’s story.
“Hairspray” deserved every prolonged belly laugh, every sustained applause, and every standing ovation it received on opening night. Audiences may find themselves humming the memorable “You Can’t Stop the Beat” in the hours and days following this show because you can’t beat “Hairspray.”
SHOWTIME
Peach State Summer Theatre’s “Hairspray” continues 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 29; 7:30 p.m., July 1; 3 p.m. July 3; 7:30 p.m. July 5, July 7, July 9, July 13, July 15; 3 p.m. July 17, Sawyer Theatre, Valdosta State University Fine Arts Center, corner of Oak and Brookwood. More information: Visit www.valdosta.edu/psst; or call (229) 259-7770. Run-time: About two and a half hours including one 15-minute intermission. This review based on Friday’s opening night performance.
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Related Photos
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Pat Gallagher | The Valdosta Daily Times Mr. Pinky (Jeffrey Clifford), the proprietor of the Hefty Hideaway, is delighted with his new customers, Edna (Duke Guthrie) and Tracy Turnblad (Sara DelBeato).
Discussion
PSST!'s 'Hairspray' a triumph!
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