Cult film legend John Waters brings his most mainstream film to the stage. Harvey Fierstein in drag is very mainstream! Set in 1962 Baltimore, the plot revolves around a local TV dance show.

by Landon S. Heimbach

Set in Baltimore, 1962, Hairspray is the story of Tracy Turnblad, a perky, overweight, unpopular teen fulfilling her dream of dancing on the local TV program, The Corny Collins Show. Not only does she become a regular on the show but she also steals the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, from the reigning teen princess, Amber Von Tussle and leads a movement to fully integrate the program, much to the dismay of of bigoted, station-owner Velma Von Tussle, Amber's mother.

If this storyline sounds familiar, it should. It is the musicalization of John Waters' 1988 cult classic starring Ricki Lake and Divine. Book writers Mark O'Donnell and The Producers' Thomas Meehan have crafted a laugh-out-loud funny adaptation. The score by Mark Shaiman and co-lyricist Scott Wittman is filled with several catchy '60's style tunes with clever, often funny, lyrics. These include "Good Morning Baltimore", "Mama, I'm A Big Girl Now", "I Can Hear The Bells" and "Welcome To The '60's". Staging by Jack O'Brien and Jerry Mitchell showcases each cast member's abilities to his/her very best.

Marissa Jaret Winokur leads the cast in the star-making role of Tracy. She effortlessly handles the singing, dancing and dialogue with unbeatable energy. The same is also true of the brilliant Harvey Fierstein who takes on the role of Edna Turnblad, Tracy's mother (played by Divine in the film). Even though he is in drag, he isn't campy, he plays the role quite sensitively which is commendable. It is impossible to think of anyone replacing him; he is that terrific. Filling out the family unit, Dick Latessa is a warm, lovable Wilbur, Tracy's father. Kerry Butler and Laura Bell Bundy are hysterical as Tracy's best friend and enemy, respectively. Linda Hart makes the most of her throw-away song "Miss Baltimore Crabs" and Mary Bond Davis handles her two anthems with vocal ease. The rest of the cast also scores just about as highly.

Hairspray, playing at the Neil Simon Theatre on 52nd Street, is a hit as big as the hairdos! It is a must see!