By Alayna Een
This summer, as we spray-on our sunscreen, the Draper Arts Council highlights a different kind of aerosol: Hairspray. Or, more specifically, the can-toting musical Hairspray in Draper, Utah. Hairspray is a well-loved, award-winning musical with music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (lyrics). It’s based on John Waters’s 1988 film of the same name, and a movie version of the musical was released in 2007. This musical comedy is an audience-pleaser, but for so much more than its 1960s humor. The ever timely and heartfelt story of one optimistic girl’s struggle to fit in, rise to stardom, and determination to make positive change with the help of her friends and community still resonates. Director Susan DeMill shares that same optimism and determination by putting on this show and uniting a diverse group of talented performers to prove that, at least in some places, we really can “all just dance together” if we try.
As I arrived at the bustling Draper Amphitheater, I was welcomed by friendly ushers and the Draper pageant royalty. And before long, I was welcomed to Baltimore with the opening number, “Good Morning, Baltimore.” The large ensemble sang in unison but moved about in small groups or as individuals with separate stories to tell, really establishing the feel of the city. The set (Vic Carsey and Dwight Western) has cityscapes printed in Warhol-style color and repetition on a background curtain that is quickly whisked away to reveal a giant television screen showing live footage of “The Corny Collins Show” and its talented team of teenage dancers. The set really is a marvel, capturing the live and colorful performance and coupling it with an impressive living-room view of the action. Music director Tricia Swanson ensures that the numbers are clear and professional, and choreographer DeMills sets clear and relevant dance moves worthy of the show. The costumes (Sara Riches, Tracy Figueroa, and Katie Whiteley) are quite literally dazzling, both in quantity and quality as characters change from colorful everyday wear to embellished dancewear. And Hairspray would fall flat without the incredibly dedicated Warren Holz (Hair/Makeup/Wigs).
Linze Struiksma’s Tracy Turnblad is guileless and determined, and she leads the show with ease. Her parents, Edna and Wilbur Turnblad, are played by Chad Smith and Joey West, who alternate roles between shows—a deeply impressive feat! They commit to her parents’ ridiculousness while giving them hearts of gold and are certainly a crowd favorite. Austin Kimbell’s Link Larkin is a little silly and unsettled, humanizing the teenage boy behind the heartthrob. Kaitlyn Schreiner is a stand-out as Penny Pingleton, absolutely selling the ditzy but sincere best friend and adding impressive dancing and vocals. The nightmarish 60s Karen of Velma Von Tussle is brought to life by the imposing Marilyn Oveson, playing opposite Kellie Seiler’s talented and tantrum-prone Amber Von Tussle. The Nicest Kids are clean and precise with their vocals and dance moves, with Amanda Frisby (Joyce) as a standout with her energy and killer high notes. The song “I Can Hear the Bells” might have been my favorite scene in the show because of how the Nicest guys move Link around as a puppet, following Tracy’s day dream—it is both one of the funniest things I’ve seen and a hint at how Link is treated through most of the show. Weston Seiler’s suave but sincere Corny Collins brilliantly handles Amber’s antics on screen and firmly stands for what’s right. In the final number, he does more than take a stand with Tracy—he joins the dance. This subtle but powerful distinction made all the difference for me.
Seaweed J. Stubbs introduces Tracy to the dance move that gets her on the show and sets the plot into motion, and David Synal’s performance of this character is no less pivotal. He’s funny, smooth, and smart. Ileah Washington’s Little Inez has all the spunk and incredible moves of Seaweed’s sister, and their onstage mother, Moutermouth Maybelle (Genell Goodman) is larger-than-life in every way. This is Goodman’s first stage role, but you’d never know it by the way she owns her endless rhymes and commands attention in her soulful anthem “I Know Where I’ve Been.” The ensemble did amazing in riffing, harmonizing, and carrying this anthem to its full effect, making it a highlight of the show. And speaking of harmonizing, the blazing Dynamites (Ariana Marshall, Rebecca Meats, Genell Goodman, and Kimberly Teitter), stole the stage every time they stepped on it. I loved the range in the ensemble, with some adorable young girls, an older man, and some incredibly talented and committed actors and dancers, with Jasmine Parker as a clear stand-out.
The Draper Art Council’s Hairspray is a tasteful and aware production that proudly espouses the musical’s message of unity. And while Draper, Utah, may not seem like the most diverse place, the decision to seek talent and celebrate this story makes all the difference. Let’s “run and tell that.”
The Draper Arts Council Presents Hairspray. Music by Marc Shaiman, Lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, Book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan. Based on John Waters’s 1988 film Hairspray.
Draper City Amphitheater, 944 Vestry Rd, Draper, UT 84020
May 27–June 11, 2022, 8:00 PM
Tickets: Adults $10; Children 2–12 $7; Children under 2 are free
Draper Arts Council Facebook Page
Draper Arts Council Website
It’s great to know about a good show to go see, but it isn’t very useful to post a review _after_ the show run has ended.
We totally agree. We weren’t able to find a reviewer to cover the show and asked the producers if they’d like someone on closing night. They agreed. While we did nothing to promote that show, we were still able to give those involved in the production the support they deserved. And it does lend support to people going to their future productions, we hope. Thanks for the comment!