Hairspray: The Musical 2013

Hairspray! No, not the stuff you style your hair with, I'm on about the musical! I love a good musical! Accepting a spontaneous offer from my flatmate Lyndsey we booked our tickets to see Hairspray: The Musical on the show's 2013 UK Tour. Our last-minute decision was definitely the right thing to do, because our night at the theater was amazing! I will say one thing, that Birmingham's Hippodrome theater wasn't ready for us! As they say in show business, Break a Leg! 

Why Hairspray? This current show happened to be by second time seeing Hairspray The Musical, after seeing it previously some years ago. During my travels around America in 2012 I went down to Baltimore, Maryland to see if the movies have done Tracy Turnblad's home city any justice. If truth be told I saw similarities with Baltimore and the movies both original and remade. The row houses of Baltimore's Eastern Ave did just the trick, something about seeing that edgy city made me love Hairspray even more! 

Hairspray is definitely one of those musicals that doesn't need to try too hard to be camp, kitsch and fabulous! With a Drag Mama and racial segregation this musical deals with serious issues with a sprinkling of musical theater magic. This musical means so much more to me since I visited Baltimore back in December of last year and being this my second time at the theater to see this show I can't say a bad word. What story can span two films, one original released in 1988 that starred TV host Ricki Lake as Tracy Turnblad, right through to 2007 when John Travolta amazed us as the new Edna Turnblad in the remake. So, it was Good Morning Baltimore! Well more like Good Evening Birmingham! Ready and waiting for our show to begin, myself and Lyndsey were ever so excited!

Tracy had took to the stage, singing the opening tune 'Good Morning, Baltimore!' with some gusto! I got into the rhythm of the show instantly, reminiscing about my Baltimore day. Actor 'Mark Benton' took to the stage as Tracy's mom Edna Turnblad, looking every-inch the fabulous lady Edna is! The Corny Collins Show wowed the audience with their vocal efforts, were they 'the coolest kids in town?' I was in Hairspray heaven, nothings better than going to the theatre! 

Bringing the drama was Velma Von Tussle, played by actress 'Lucy Benjamin.' 'Lucy' worked her role perfectly just like the self obsessed and over protective mother she was playing! Tracy had her Baltimore savoir faire at all times, proclaiming that she could hear the bells. We could all rejoice because Tracy's mama was made very welcome to be a part of the sixties! From detention to the final showdown 'Marcus Collins' embodied the personality and groove of Seaweed, mesmirising Tracy's friend Penny Pingleton. Could this show get anymore camp, because there was an Ex-Eastender actress and an X-Factor finalist! Tracy Turnblad held her head up high throughout all the adversity that she faced, she's the real star in this show! 

Now! You can't stop the beat! Against all odds Tracy Turnblad escaped from prison and was crowned Miss Hairspray, defeating Amber Von Tussle. I think that this time around my love for Hairspray The Musical has only grown! To finish the show the whole cast took to the stage, signing 'You Can't Stop The Beat". Edna Turnblad made her entrance by springing out of a giant 'Ultra Clutch' hairspray can! Overall, I know that spending £20.00 on a ticket for this show was worth every single penny!

Everyone loves an underdog, now that's why we love Tracy Turnblad! This musical never ceases to amaze me, I think I shall be watching both of the movies all summer after seeing this show again! I shall be returning back to the Birmingham Hippodrome theater again on the 4th of June to see the ballet. After seeing this show two times I can't promise it will be the last time that I see this show! So, until next time Hairspray!

Tracy Turnblad ... Don't You Ever Stop That Beat !!! I Need Some Ultra Clutch Hairspray !!!Joseph Harrison