By Russ Tarby
Contributing Writer
Leave it to the kids to show us the way.
Baldwinsville Theatre Guild’s annual summertime Youth Musical Production of “Hairspray” lovingly recalls the turbulent 1960s, and — with soaring songs and clever choreography — reminds us all that segregation is sadly short-sighted. Instead, acceptance and understanding elevates everyone.
Set in Baltimore in 1962, “Hairspray” insists that people of all shapes, sizes, colors and creeds can be united in the primal rituals of music and dance.
Teen co-directors Brennan Carman and Alison Croucher note in the program that “Hairspray” tells “a story that is both timeless in spirit and timely in content.” Carman told the opening night SRO audience at the Baldwinsville Presbyterian Church that the musical is all about “bringing people together.”
Carman and Croucher coordinated a massive cast of 27, plus a seven-piece pit band led by pianist Daniel Williams and a crew of 20 to stage an absolutely inspiring show.
Turning in standout performances were Lauren Stapleton as the stout-but-sweet Tracy Turnblad, Timothy Gardner as her overweight mom, Edna Turnblad, and Caleb Barron as TV dance-show host Corny Collins.
Vanessa Vacanti steals many a scene as Tracy’s gum-chewing best friend, Penny Pingleton. Tracy Dowler oozes contempt as Tracy’s rival, Amber Von Tussle, and Catie Kobland ably portrays Amber’s openly racist mom, Velma Von Tussle.
Bryan Straub excels as Seaweed J. Stubbs, while Erionna Flowers dances up a storm as Little Inez on tunes such as “Run and Tell That.” With good looks to spare, Tyler Delao plays Tracy’s love-interest, Link Larkin, who emotionally vocalizes “It Takes Two” and “Without Love.”
Angela Stroman dons a big blonde wig as Motormouth Maybelle, Baltimore’s queen of rhythm and blues. Stroman performs two of the show’s most memorable numbers, Act 1’s finger-snapping “Big, Blonde & Beautiful” and Act 2’s candle-lit ballad, “I Know Where I’ve Been.”
Even in smaller roles several talented teens make their stage presence felt. Dominic Perrone doubles as Mr. Pinky, the plus-size dress salesman, and as a newscaster. Emma Monterville impresses as Brenda, who must leave the TV show because she’s pregnant, and later as a red-haired hooker in the jailhouse number, “The Big Dollhouse.” Saraya Laughlin dispenses snarling discipline as both a gym teacher and a prison matron.
The directors wisely kept the pacing sprightly, and the show, which started at 7, ended with an uplifting curtain call at 9:30 p.m.
And this “Hairspray” cast not only talks the talk but also walks the walk. They’ve been fundraising, and some proceeds from the show will be donated to the Brady Faith Center in Syracuse, which works to be a positive influence on children, teens and families in need in the city.
In more ways than one, “Hairspray” reminds us that we may be different sizes and different races, but we share similar values and similar souls. It’s a message worth singing out loud!
Produced by Mary Tall and Rebecca Croucher, “Hairspray” continues at the First Presbyterian Education Center, 64 Oswego St., at 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 11, 12 and 13; and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14. Tickets cost $18 for adults, $12 for students and $12 for seniors at the Aug. 14 matinee only; 877-8465; baldwinsvilletheatreguild.org.
