HAIRSPRAY: Where dreams, voices and hair are big!
By Evelyn Alcala
Pembroke Pines Performer’s Playhouse debuted their interpretation of the fun ’60s musical play, created by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, Hairspray in February. Thirty-seven brilliant actors and a simple stage are enough for the legendary story of Tracy Turnblad (Jessica McFadden), the big girl and dreamer from Baltimore who fights not only for a spot on the dance show, “Corny Collin’s Show,” but also spots, and racial equality, for her black friends from “Detention.”
Director Jessica Walck, choreography from the academy, and the artistic direction by Sonya Dee Lewis, made the run of this show a success for all those involved– including the parents who were thanked for their support after the last show. Humberto Collado, Dolores Lewis, Shirley Moore, Mel White, Craig Walck, KidzAct & The Naples Players were also thanked.
The closing song for the musical was “You cannot stop the Beat,” sang by the company, where Velma Von Tussle’s (Erika Fassrainer) and Motormouth Maybelle’s (Nedaara Powell) famous wigs marked how grand and spectacular this musical really is.
The Performer’s Playhouse successful work since 2008 has enabled them to move to a large stage at Chapel Trail located by West Broward High School in Pembroke Pines. This center will offer various studios and a large stage, which will be able to hold many more students, said Walck. Chapel Trail will become their new home in April. For more information, visit www.performersplayhouse.com
