Adelaide Festival Centre was packed with musical theatre fans on New Years Eve for the official opening of Hairspray.
Set in 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland, it tells the story of dance-loving teenager Tracy Turnblad who has one dream – to dance on The Corny Collins Show. When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from a social outcast to a sudden star and she must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob Link Larkin and integrate a TV network… all without denting her ‘do!
Starring the much-loved stage and screen performer Shane Jacobson as Edna Turnblad, Todd McKenney as Wilbur Turnblad, Rhonda Burchmore as Velma Von Tussle, Bobby Fox as Corny Collins, Asabi Goodman as Motormouth Maybelle and introducing Carmel Rodrigues as Tracy Turnblad.
Joining them will be Javon King as Seaweed J Stubbs, Ayanda Dlada as Little Inez, Brianna Bishop as Amber von Tussle, Mackenzie Dunn as Penny Pingleton, Sean Johnston as Link Larkin and Todd Goddard.
Acclaimed Director Jack O’Brien (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), and Choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots), lead the original Broadway creative team to present the big-hair and big-hearted musical Hairspray in Australia as originally intended.
The musical begins with Carmel Rodrigues as Tracy Turnblad singing “Good Morning, Baltimore,” and was met with an eruption of cheers from the crowd. Another crowd favourite was “Timeless to Me” by Shane Jacobson as Edna Turnblad and Todd McKenney as Wilbur Turnblad – their on-stage chemistry was palpable and hilarious.
However, Javon King as Seaweed J Stubbs and Ayanda Dlada as Little Inez stole the show with their unmatched dancing, singing and acting. Likewise, the knock out performance of Asabi Goodman as Motormouth Maybelle and her rendition of “I know where I’ve been”. Special mentions to Mackenzie Dunn as Penny Pingleton with her unrivalled vocals in “You Can’t Stop The Beat”.
By the end of the joyous production there was a standing ovation and dancing in the aisles; the power and energy of the cast was intoxicating to all. The stellar performance by the cast and crew was definitely a massive hit.
Hairspray the Musical
until 28 January 2023
Adelaide Festival Centre
