If you’re a fan of theatre, you’ll know that Hairspray the Musical has been a Broadway legend since it first played in the 1960s. But what you might not realise what goes into bringing this dazzling two-hour show to life.
Thanks to the awesome local team at Hama Productions, we got to see the show, experience the backstage buzz and meet the production team and talented cast at the final full-dress rehearsal. Here’s some of the highlights…
Controlled chaos
Walking backstage just hours before hitting the stage, the first impression is the scale of production and sheer whirlwind of activity with the final preparations. Crew members adjusting lights, fitting mics and gathering props, the cast getting their hair, makeup and vocal exercises in and even the costume team sewing and making final last-minute adjustments to elaborate costumes minutes before curtain. There is so much hard work that goes on behind the scenes, away from the spotlight.
With just hours to go before the final dress rehearsal, the cast were buzzing with energy, joking, smiling, singing adlibbed songs about the fast food they were planning after the show, and happy to chat.
Paige Fallu, a WAAPA alumna, was a standout as Tracy Turnblad. Her performance was a whirlwind of earnest energy and charm, capturing the heart of the character with every note. That infectious smile, spring in her step and pitch-perfect voice is everything you’d want in a lead.
Rob Palmer was a particular delight. Known for his DIY skills on Better Homes and Gardens and his stint on Dancing with the Stars, Rob’s transformation into Edna Turnblad was both hilarious and heartwarming. Rob is certainly not a drag queen with his manly physicality juxtaposed with some truly unflattering frocks. He was chatty and charming throughout his extensive makeup routine and costume transformation, making the backstage experience even more memorable.
Rob’s duet with Brendan Hanson as Wilbur Turnblad was hysterical and their hilarious chemistry absolutely shined. John Rex Berry brought boyish charm to Link Larkin and his dream sequence performance was a highlight, while Elaina O’Connor dazzled and flexed her comedic skill as Amber Von Tussle.
Bella McSporran’s portrayal of Penny Pingleton was both endearing and expressive, and Paula Parore’s powerhouse vocals as Motor Mouth Meybelle nearly brought the house down. Corny Collins gets a much bigger part to play with Perth born WAAPA grad Joshua Firman having plenty to work with under the stupendous quiff.
Fans of the popular film remake still have plenty to be curious about with many changes and updates to the classic story. “The Big Dollhouse” is a welcome addition and restores the prison sequence from the original John Waters film. “Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now” also returns and is particularly inspired with the three leads and their on-stage mothers entangled in concurrent arguments.
The vocal performances throughout the show were exceptional, with each song delivered with passion and precision. The live music team, tucked away in a small booth backstage, added a vibrant layer to the show, their skillful playing creating a rich, immersive experience. Then Reynold’s era authentic choreography shines with a wonderful juxtaposition of the soul and groove of the African American students and the conventional movement of the popular kids.
One of the most impressive aspects of the production was the elaborate sets led by Matthew McVeigh. The show featured several locations, each with its own unique set pieces that had to be wheeled on and off-stage during seamless transitions. It was like a magic trick, watching these intricate and vibrant sets appear and disappear in the blink of an eye.
Seeing it up close was eye opening with the amazing care and detail put into each and every one. There were far more than you’d expect, with many productions only having a handful moving pieces, Hairspray boasted more than a dozen. Each one contributing to the show’s dynamic and fast-paced feel. Paired with the large, vibrant LED backdrop it made for a very dynamic and engaging production.
As one would expect, Hairspray includes an elaborate array of wigs and extravagant hairstyles. From bouncy curls to sleek, retro updos, these wigs were more than just accessories, each crafted to reflect the character’s personality and fashion of the 1960s. The attention to detail was remarkable, with every strand styled to perfection. Over 50 wigs were expertly crafted for the production, totalling over 9,000,000 hand sewn strands of hair held into place by hundreds of hairpins and, aptly, dozens of cans of hairspray
The attention to costume detail was extraordinary, each meticulously designed to capture the essence of the 1960s. From flashy, sequined numbers to elegant, retro dresses, the costumes added a vibrant and authentic touch to the production. With near a thousand individual costume pieces and over a hundred pairs of handmade shoes the sheer scale of handmade items is staggering.
Hairspray the Musical is a must-see and vibrant production that has people talking. Arts Review hails it as “…world class and not to be missed …a hilarious, fun night of entertainment that will have you leaving the theatre tapping your feet.,” praising its infectious energy and captivating musical numbers.
The West Australian describes it as “musical theatre at its feel-good best, packed with a positive message, catchy tunes and oodles of laughs,” highlighting the exceptional cast and lively choreography that brings the 1960s to life with a modern twist.
Adding to the acclaim, Xpress Magazine notes that the show is “an absolute delight from start to finish, blending heartfelt messages with vibrant energy,” commending the impressive performances and reworked numbers that make this production truly unique.
Hairspray is playing through to the 28th of September at Crown Theatre, Burswood.
