THEATRE REVIEW: Hairspray

There is cause for celebration at our household--Millbrook Playhouse has opened for the season. Millbrook Playhouse is a true summer stock theatre and so provides a venue for aspiring actors, directors, producers, tech people, and teachers. Started in 1962, Millbrook has presented over 200 different plays and entertained about a quarter of a million people. I am writing this at midnight, just back from Mill Hall and a little tired, but I wanted you to share my excitement.

The opening play on the main stage is usually a big musical and this year was no exception. The season started with Hairspray. It is a perfect show to highlight the young, energetic cast that I have come to expect there.

If you are familiar with Hairspray you know that the mother, Edna Turnblad, is played by a man. Jean-Pierre Ferragamo had the part just right. He never over played the role so that it felt that it was a drag-queen act, but rather we saw a warm, caring mother who was self-conscience of her weight. This is the part that could possibly make or break the show.

It would be hard to talk about the complete cast. They were a talented group. Over the years, we have watched some of the local students go from child actors to some very promising romantic leads. (Nicholas Carroll and Johnny Haussener have grown up.)

I was glad to see the return of some of my favorites from the past.  (Watch for the name “Ali Kresch”. She brings so much to any role.)  I hate to start listing names because the whole cast was in voice and character throughout the evening. I can not wait to see what they can do the rest of the season. I am sorry that Ellisha Thomas [Motormouth Maybelle], is not going to be in anything else this summer.  She is fantastic.

The only problems came from the new sound system. The clarity of the lyrics and some of the dialogue was lost. I am sure that by tomorrow’s performance that will be ironed out.

I love Millbrook Playhouse. Theatre is one of my three vices and it may be my expensive one. This is a theatre where a seat won’t cost you an arm and a leg and you can count on everybody giving their all to entertain you.

Check their schedule at www.millbrookplayhouse.com. I hope to see you there.