Youngstown Playhouse ‘Hairspray’ could use touch more hold

May 14, 2017 at 12:00a.m.

By Eric McCrea

Youngstown

I can hear the bells. But I can’t quite hear the belting. The Youngstown Playhouse opened its latest show, the musical version of John Waters’ cult classic “Hairspray,” this weekend to a packed house.

The story is about Tracy Turnblad, played by Halla Henry, an energetic, stout young lady with dance moves better than anyone. When a spot opens up on the local dance television show hosted by Corny Collins (Simon Sedmak), Tracy is thrilled with the chance to audition. But being the first atypical gal on Baltimore TV doesn’t last as her claim to fame, as she quickly winds up in jail for trying to integrate television. Fortunately a crazy scheme gets her back on TV and somehow, out of trouble with the law.

The mostly young cast didn’t quite live up to expectations, but a few performers managed to really stand out.

Playhouse regular James Major Burns was phenomenal as Seaweed Stubbs. His dance moves and vocal strength served him well in his song “Run and Tell That.”

Penny Pingleton, played by Annmarie Lowerre, was incredible. The part is an easy choice for popularity, despite Lowerre’s often carbon-copy rendition of the film. She still managed to adapt to the rest of the cast, making it somewhat unique.

Divinely stepping into the role of Edna Turnblad was Robert Dennick Joki. He got some of the biggest laughs in the show and was a natural in the role. Ed Haller, in the role of devoted husband and father Wilbur Turnblad, was a crowd favorite. His duet with Joki “You’re Timeless to Me” was one of the best songs in the show.

Carla Gipson was amazing as Motormouth Maybelle. Her solo “I Know Where I’ve Been” was a showstopper, and featured some of the strongest company singing.

In the small role of Little Inez, Lar’Rayja Hill proved to be anything but diminutive. Her personality was bigger than the stage.

Denise Sculli played several roles, most notably Prudy Pingleton. She was undeniable every second she was on stage, at times unexpectedly filling the auditorium with larger-than-life characters.

Unfortunately, microphone issues plagued opening night. Henry was probably the most noticeably affected. Songs like the opening “Good Morning Baltimore” and “I Can Hear the Bells” were severely marred when microphones on almost all the actors constantly cut out and came back sporadically. Scenes between songs also were affected by microphones, which is a real shame as they shouldn’t even be used in speaking scenes. At best, the audience was able to appreciate half the show.

A simplified but stylish set helped set the timing for the show, but lighting became an issue in a few scenes that utilized the proscenium and beyond. However, the effect of going from television lighting to studio lighting was impressive.

Assuming technical issues were just an opening night glitch, the run of “Hairspray” should be fantastic.

Performances of “Hairspray” can be seen today and next Sunday at 2:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. For reservations, call 330-788-8739.