Thursday, January 21, 2010

Opera Glasses and Hairspray: A Musical Review

By Jeff Bridges

Hairspray the musical is set in Baltimore, Maryland the year is 1962. Our hero in the musical is is a young overweight girl named Tracy. Tracy has always dreamed of becoming a big star, if and when you attend this musical, make sure you have a front row seat, if you don't you will want to be sure to bring your opera glasses, so as not to miss a moment of this fast-paced play.

One day, our hero, is watching T.V. And finds out that That the Corny Collins Show is having a huge dance contest, excitedly Tracy tells her mother that she would like to enter the contest. Her mother, who is overweight like Tracy discourages the idea that Tracy has had. In reality, Tracy's mother, would like nothing more to protect her daughter, as she knows that people will make fun of her for being overweight. Additionally, her mother feels that the show is racist.

Tracy does make it to the audition with permission from her father, Wilbur. While she is auditioning she meets the popular hunk Link Larkin. Get ready to put on your opera glasses as you will want to catch Tracy's eyes light up just as yours may have back in high school. Tracy daydreams that she and Link Larkin will end up together one day. She sings absolutely beautiful songs about her love sick dream. Tracy is awakened from her sweet dream as she does not make the cut to be on the show due to her weight, just as her mother suspected would happen.

Poor Tracy then returns back to school. Her troubles do not end at school. Tracy is then given a detention once again due to her hair being so big that kids sitting behind her cannot even see the chalk board! Hence, you can tell a reason why the musical is given the name Hairspray.

As Tracy sits in detention, she meets a black boy named Seaweed who offers to teach her some dance moves, Tracy picks him up on the offer and is taught some amazing moves. Tracy also finds out that there is a dance scheduled, which she attends with Seaweed. While attending, Tracy shows off some of the amazing moves that she has learned, but it is not just those from her school who are watching, but the owner of the T.V. show that is featuring the big dance contest, the owner happens to catch Tracy's moves and is impressed, he then invites her to be on the show. Remember to use your opera glasses at this point to see Tracy's face as her dreams come true.

Tracy again finds herself as the recipient of good news, she finds out that the lovable hunk Link Larkin will be singing a romantic song to her on T.V! Another character on the show is Amber a snobby cruel girl, who also happens to be in love with Link, finds out about Tracy's fortune, and decides to make Tracy's life a living hell, full of harassment.

More things ensue. Tracy and others are invited to Seaweed's mother's record shop. A party is planned for all to attend. The group goes to Seaweed's mother's record shop as blacks cannot go to The Corny Collins Show since blacks are only allowed on the show once a month on a specific day; that day being Negro Day. Tracy gets into fighting for blacks rights. For these intense acts you will want to wear your opera glasses.

Hairspray is a magnificent musical that you are sure to enjoy. To get the most out of your enjoyment bring your opera glasses.

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