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REVIEW: The Umbrella Stage Company delivers a bright and uplifting ‘Hairspray’

Posted on May 15 by The Sleepless Critic

If only we can all possess Tracy Turnblad’s unwavering optimism and enjoy this much dancing everyday in our own lives, the world may be a little happier.

‘I’ll eat some breakfast and change the world’ is just one of the self-assured declarations that Nora Sullivan makes as tenacious during Good Morning Baltimore while dreaming about dancing on television in 1962 Maryland. Sullivan was also Tracy in Sullivan Rep’s Hairspray last year.

With glowing, innovative and multi-color television screens and a sparkling curtain in the background, The Umbrella Stage Company lights up The Corny Collins Show’s vinyl record dance floor with catchy beats and a spirited groove in Hairspray: The Broadway Musical, an upbeat 60s romantic musical comedy sure to brighten anyone’s spirits.

The cast of HAIRSPRAY, feat. Lisa Kate Joyce* as Amber Von Tussle, Joshua LaPierre as Corny Collins, and Nick Corsi as Link Larkin Photo by Jim Sabitus *indicates a member of AEA

Boasting exuberant direction and choreography by Najee A. Brown and Jordan Oczkowski’s uplifting music direction, Umbrella Stage Company Hairspray: The Broadway Musical live and in person at the Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, Massachusetts through Sunday, May 17. This engaging musical comedy delivers bold comical innuendos and runs approximately two hours with one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Featuring a large and lively cast, Hairspray has always been an upbeat satire which infuses important messages about body positivity, bullying and racism with a hopeful and bubbly lead that believes anything is possible. I had a marvelous time and could not help bopping my head several times to the musical’s joyous beat. Hairspray picks up right away in constant motion as scenes unfold simultaneously on Cameron McEachern’s dual level set. For example, Good Morning Baltimore unfolds with infectious rhythms and clever staging as Maggie Cavanaugh as Tracy’s best friend Penny and Tracy pour over an authentic retro television set alongside what they are seeing on the screen.

The cast of HAIRSPRAY, feat. Christian David* as Seaweed J. Stubbs in HAIRSPRAY at The Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, MA. Photo by Jim Sabitus.
*indicates a member of AEA

Big and fluffy standout wigs by Cara Guappone tower over vivid 60s costumes in flowing crinoline with colorful patterns including polka dots, florals, plaids and shimmering gold lamé by Emerald City Theatricals.

Another highlight is demonstrated in Big Doll House which elevates the comedy and the chemistry between the actors and teen rebellion takes charge as Cavanaugh’s Penny, Lisa Kate Joyce as Amber Von Tussle and Sullivan’s Tracy sound off in vivid intricate lighting by SeifAllah Salotto-Cristobal and sparkling harmony for Mama I’m a Big Girl Now.

Nick Corsi and Nora Sullivan in HAIRSPRAY at The Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, MA. Photo by Jim Sabitus.

Tracy dreams of performing on Baltimore’s teen dance TV show The Corny Collins Show and winning the heart of Link Larkin, a council member and heartthrob singer exhibiting the dreamy excitability of falling in love with Brown’s 360 degree choreography in I Can Hear the Bells. Sullivan’s jovial performance exudes charm and an imaginative turn of phrase as Tracy’s pretty vocals expel spontaneous shrieks and endearing chuckles during various parts of the production.

Sullivan’s Tracy gets into ambitious teen high jinks and Maggie Cavanaugh as best friend Penny is gleefully along for the ride. Boasting hints of Elvis croons and inflections, Nick Corsi portrays heartthrob Link with a mix of openness and charisma while sharing some amusing scenes with Tracy especially for the endearing ballad, It Takes Two. Christian David is easygoing and suave delivering smooth and distinctive vocals as Seaweed J Stubbs, especially for the catchy number Run and Tell That. With a broad and winsome smile, Joshua Lapierre as Corny Collins certainly lives up to Corny’s name and is shows off his sharp comedic chops while cutting a rug in Nicest Kids in Town.

Aimee Doherty, Lisa Kate Joyce and the cast of HAIRSPRAY at The Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, MA. Photo by Jim Sabitus.

Brutal, poised and snarky, villainy lives in Aimee Doherty who revels in her role as Velma Von Tussle bathed in ruthless red lighting. Lisa Kate Joyce as Velma’s coiffed and obnoxious daughter Amber Von Tussle is an appropriate mini-me striding onstage with a flashy smile. The duo makes an impressively egotistical, calculating, manipulative and often unhinged pair. Only second to an array of comical tantrums bellowed on a staircase, Joyce is brashly pitch perfect when she exclaims, ‘What happened to the bland and spineless guy I fell in love with?’ Joyce also delivers sharp comedic timing and over the top vocals for Cooties.

Robert Saoud infuses dry humor and a dazzled smile as Tracy’s once aspiring designer mother Edna and Chip Phillips lovably depict Tracy’s plucky and optimistic inventor father Wilbur for a humorous rendition of You’re Timeless to Me.

Robert Saoud* and Nora Sullivan as Edna and Tracy Turnblad and cast in HAIRSPRAY at The Umbrella Arts Center.
Photo by Jim Sabitus.
*indicates a member of AEA

Whether delivering the playful and bluesy Big Blonde and Beautiful or a moving rendition of I Know Where I’ve Been, Barbara Pierre offers frank, unflappable and soaring vocals as Motormouth Maybelle. Whether depicting a principal at the end of his proverbial rope, a wild bailiff, gym teacher, a camera shy advertiser or taking control of a TV shoot, Nick Miller and Meryl Galaid manage to make each of their multiple roles amusingly memorable.

Nora Sullivan and the full cast of in HAIRSPRAY at The Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, MA. Photo by Jim Sabitus.

No time but now to see Hairspray: The Broadway Musical continuing live and in person at Umbrella Arts Center in Concord, Massachusetts through Sunday, May 17. Click here for more information and for tickets.

Director Matt Silva and ‘Waist Watchers the Musical’s’ cast talks improvising, exercise, and girl’s night out

Posted on June 10, 2017 by The Sleepless Critic

Since April, Alan Jacobson’s Waist Watchers the Musical, a musical comedy from the production team responsible for You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up, My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish, and I’m in Therapy, and Menopause The Musical, has been taking a frank and lighthearted look at four women’s struggle with dieting, body image issues, exercise, and much more. Perfect for a date night or a girl’s night out, this musical comedy continues through Sunday, June 25 at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, Massachusetts. Click here for the full schedule and for tickets.

‘Waist Watchers the Musical’ cast Photo courtesy of Playhouse Productions/Regent Theatre

The atmosphere was full of excitement and laughter as the cast and director of Waist Watchers the Musical, having just performed a weekday matinee, spoke about the unique preparation for this show, working with the choreographer of the acclaimed film, Silver Linings Playbook and Hairspray Live, and keeping the show fresh and more hilarious each and every night. Director Matt Silva and cast members Kiley McDonald, Stephanie Genovese, and Krissy Johnson all agree they are having a blast.

Sleepless Critic: Waist Watchers the Musical tackles a unique and sometimes sensitive subject. How does this show balance comedy with working out?

Kiley: We’ve talked about that a lot and how to approach the material knowing about body image and social media. It really takes a toll on women and how they envision what’s perfect. This show does a really good job of making light of everything and reminding us to laugh, accept, and love who you are. Everyone has flaws and trouble with something. That can’t hold you back and rule the choices you make in life.

‘Waist Watchers the Musical’ cast at Cook’s Gym Photo courtesy of Playhouse Productions/Regent Theatre

SC: Waist Watchers The Musical’s choreographer, Dani Tucci-Juraga, was behind the choreography for the acclaimed film, Silver Linings Playbook and Hairspray Live, which featured some amazing dance moves. Did you find learning the dancing particularly challenging?

Stephanie: Dani is fantastic. She is the sweetest woman I’ve ever met, but she is tough. She knows exactly what she wants and pushes you to become a better dancer, performer, and in this case, athlete. There were times when we were sore and complaining and she told us to deal with it and try harder.

SC: What attracted you to this show and these roles?

Matt: I am the orchestrator for this company who had taken on the show. It was out in Phoenix and I didn’t have anything to do with it. I went to see the show and thought the material was cool, acceptable, and empowering for women. The production itself wasn’t all that successful in terms of the talent, choreography, and the production value. I was really excited to take the message, empowerment, and the women’s process and collaborate with them and make it fun. I thought the production was lot of fun, but I thought the show I saw needed a little injection.

‘Waist Watchers the Musical’ cast Photo courtesy of Playhouse Productions/Regent Theatre

SC: The cast has very unique roles to prepare for. Aside from the dancing, what other preparation was involved?

Kiley: We knew right away that we needed to condition our bodies for the show because it is non-stop, 90 minutes of cardio. We would have to sing and dance without a lot of time to breathe. We also don’t leave the stage very often. It took us a little while to get our bodies moving, figure out where to breathe, and where to sing. A lot mental preparation goes into it.

SC: This show features all new and original music by Vince Di Mura. Do you have any favorites that stand out for you?

Stephanie: I love Lazy.

Kiley: My top favorite is The Morning After.

Chrissy: Eat it.

SC: You have been performing this show since April and the final show will be on Sunday, June 25. How does the show stay fresh each time you perform? I understand the show involves a lot of improvisation.

Stephanie: We try to make new discoveries each night. Every audience is different and they react to different things, so every performance stays different and fresh.

SC: You must encounter your share of surprises improvising and trying new things. Any memorable moments that occurred onstage?

Krissy: At this one performance, we had a new sound system. It was the first time using this wireless microphone. The mic cracked and made a loud noise onstage right before one of my lines. It frightened me so badly, I screamed! From that moment to the end of that scene, I could not stop laughing or get my lines out. It was quite amusing.

SC: You all obviously have really snappy chemistry on and off-stage.

Kiley: We are very fortunate to all get along and appreciate each other’s sense of humor.

SC: What is the best reason to see Waist Watchers The Musical?

Stephanie: It is definitely a girl’s night out and one hundred percent campy. It’s a feel good show with lots of laughs. Good clean fun, but definitely PG-13.

Presented by Playhouse Productions, Waist Watchers the Musical continues at the Regent Theatre until June 25. After the Regent Theatre, the show continues its tour in Huntington Beach and Sacramento, California. Click here for further details and for tickets or call 781-646-4849. Group rates are also available at 888-264-1788.