By: Amanda Meade -Tatum

‘Hairspray’ returns to the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa with a new reimagine production that will have you dancing to almost every song in your seat. Based on the 2007 and 1988 film with the same title and the 2002 Tony Award winner for best new musical, Tracy Turnbald is set to change the world by joining the “The Corny Collins Show to bring racial integration into the program. Tracy and her friends go on an adventure to make things right, but nothing comes easy for Tracy as she must confront individuals who are against her. The musical includes catchy tunes that make the story enjoyable and worth seeing.

Tours of Broadway musicals are easily known to make adjustments due to budget cuts, but the new reimagined production of ‘Hairspray’ feels like the same exact Broadway Musical from 2002. From the moment, the curtain rises, the viewer is engaged with spectacular sets, vivid lighting, and a group of very talented actors. Yes, transitions of set pieces are noticeable, but it doesn’t take from the fun action that each number and scene provides.

Some viewers will believe that this show has an agenda for progressive thinking, but the story is very welcoming and feels very real and also authentic. The production made a few adjustments to its lyrics for more to relate, and I believe the changes are perfect. Director Jack O’Brien does it so organic that it feels inviting to accept the message being showcased.

The whole cast is very talented, but stand out Andrew Levitt aka Nina West steals the show. Edna Turnbald interpretations can be widely comparable, but Levitt brings something new and fresh to the role. He is funny and his comedic timing is perfection. Other stand-outs include Emery Henderson as Penny Pingleton who is hard not to pay attention to when there is a lot of action happening on stage. Ryahn Evers as Amber Von Tussle is also quite special with her angelic voice.

Overall, ‘Hairspray’ is a fun time at the theater, making its themes easy to follow and its messages of hope, unity, and acceptable easy to comprehend. I highly recommend this production as, I assure you, you will love the story that’s being told.

For Tickets to see ‘Hairpsray’ click here