Theatre - Hairspray 05/05/2010 2:30pm

   On 5th of May 2010, I went to an award wining musical ‘Hairspray’ at the Clyde Auditorium, SECC. I actually had seen the musical in London like two years ago and it was absolutely brilliant, so I was really glad to hear that Hairspray would be coming to Glasgow, and immediately decided to see it. There are quite a few empty seats, especially in the side seats, Rear Circle and Gallery (balcony), probably as it was a matinee. I bought the cheapest balcony ticket, but in consequence of this situation, I enjoyed an unexpected benefit that I could upgrade my seat to stalls for free! A live orchestra performed the music. It was pretty remarkable for me because Japanese theatres, especially in the provinces, often use the recorded music, which I do not prefer.

   Hairspray is originally from Broadway. I am not sure whether there are big differences or not, between the American version and the West End one. The production is currently on the UK tour and coming to Glasgow from 28th April to 8th May 2010, with featuring Michael Ball, the British leading theatre star!

Here is the brief story of Hairspray from the official website.

   ‘In Hairspray, it's 1962, the '50s are out and change is in the air. Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion – to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance programme, 'The Corny Collins Show' and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the programme's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do? Only in Hairspray! Welcome to the '60s!’

   The musical was highly effectively directed. For instance, the announcement before the show said something like ‘Please switch off your mobile phone because you are in 1962!’ The costumes represent the old American fashion; Presley-like suits and psychedelic cloths, such as bright orange/green/pink shirts. The songs are basically consisted of American blues or rock n roll, but I felt that black characters sang serious heavier blues in contrast with the whites sang lighter fashionable ones. It might be one of the compositional directions. Also, it can be said that the cheap-looking stage sets, such as comic-like houses and a girl’s pinky room, did a great job to emphasis the time setting, which is 1962.

   Hairspray is less spectacular than productions like Les Miserable, The Phantom Of The Opera and Wicked, but an absolutely funnier and amazingly brighter musical with colourful costumes and funky shiny hairstyles. Although it deals a heavy theme of racism, Hairspray makes everyone happy and is magic. I consider that it is the most musical-like musical I have ever seen, and Hairspray has been one of my most favourite show since the first time I watched it in London. I think what is notable is the fact that the stage of Hairspray is far from our daily life. The narrative itself is kind of Cinderella story, which is unrealistic, and the performer’s costumes and hairstyles are different from today’s fashion. In addition, a male actor plays the main character’s mother. Perhaps these elements take you to the world of 1962, and also the world of entertainment!