“Hairspray”-My Review

Last night by blogger TheBachelorGirl invite, I was able to watch ‘Hairspray” before its regular show dates. It was the first time ever in Manila soil that I was able to watch a play. Back in Cebu, I was a big fan of plays thanks to Anne, a very close friend of mine. We went to a lot of really nice ones by Little Boy Productions and it made me appreciate and love plays hence I was always on the lookout for them. That is how I discovered BachelorGirl and her passion about theater and plays. She invited me and a few other bloggers for first dibs. I was not disappointed. I was so excited that I could barely catch my breath. I was running because I was afraid that I might be late but thankfully, I was not. It was the first time for me to meet Lorna and am grateful for the chance to get to know her a little bit.

As the theater lights dimmed and the curtain went up, I was smiling. This is it. I was not disappointed. The set was done in bright colors all evoking that 60′s feel as well as the costumes. I was entertained. The cast was delightful and I can only say WOW to seeing Dulce and Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo perform on stage. Michael de Mesa in his woman role was very good. He pulled it off without a hair out of place. Madel Ching as Tracy was very good for her first professional debut on stage. And oh! Can Nyoy Volante dance! The play relays the message to dream big always and it also relates to racial discrimination and how we should stand up to abolish it in society. It conveys that message in a very funny and entertaining way. I had a good laugh about some parts and I very much enjoyed the time that I spent watching it and also getting to know Lorna in between curtain calls. My night was well spent. Thumbs up for director Bobby Garcia and to the cast and crew of Hairspray. Thanks once again Lorna. It was a nice break for me.

Catch “Hairspray” from Nov. 14 to Dec. 7 at the Star Theatre, CCP Complex. Tickets are on sale now by calling Atlantis Productions at 892-7078, 840-1187 or Ticketworld at 891-9999.

Cast List:

Madel Ching as Tracy Turnblad
Michael de Mesa as Edna (played by John Travolta)
Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Velma Von Tussle (played by Michelle Pfeiffer)
Dulce as Motormouth Maybelle (played by Queen Latifah)
Tim Espinosa as Link Larkin (played by Zac Efron)
Nyoy Volante as Seaweed J. Stubbs (played by Elijah Kelley)
Leo Rialp as Wilbur (played by Christopher Walken)
Noel Rayos as Corny Collins (played by James Marsden)
Christine Allado as Amber (played by Brittany Snow)
Monica Reynoso as Penny (played by Amanda Bynes)

Gabe Mercado will play the Male Authority Figure, while Enchang Kaimo will be the Female Authority Figure.

In the ensemble are Jordan Aguilar, Emy Alcid, Caisa Borromeo, Mayen Bustamante-Cadd, Erika Cedilla, Red Concepcion, Gerlin Francisco, Bea Garcia, Crienna House, Yanah Laurel, Cheeno Macaraig, Michael Odoemene, Anthony Ong, Myrene Santos, Mark Tayag, and Lee Villoria.