Hairspray

Music: Marc Shaiman. Lyrics: Scott Wittman, Marc Shaiman. Book: Mark O’Donnell, Thomas Meehan. Mercedes College. Mercedes College Performing Arts Centre, Perth WA. Directed by Kathleen Cocks. Aug 3-13, 2016

Mercedes College presented Hairspray with great energy, fabulous colour and contagious enthusiasm.

Year 9 student Jemma Middleton shone as a picture-perfect Tracy Turnblad who also sung and danced up a storm. She was a wonderful anchor for a strong cast of students from Year 7-12, including four male guest performers from other schools, and a well-focused ensemble.

Lots of memorable performances in this strong cast. Tracy’s parents were beautifully played by Harry Boyle as Edna, an endearing performance from a boy who can dance backwards in heels, and the gorgeously deep-voiced, possibly contralto profoundo, Hannah Anderson as Wilbur.

TV heart-throb Link Larkin was expertly played by Seamus Harrison, making ladies swoon both on stage and in the audience, in a wonderfully layered performance.

Lovely work from the cast and management of the Corny Collins Show, with a smooth Euan Macmillan as Corny, Sarah Cocks delightfully evil as Velma Von Tussle, mother of nasty Amber (Sophie Bottega) and a talented team of Councilettes.

The Dynamites, the stars of Negro Day, were smoothly played by Iesha Palelei, Hannah Palelei and Francesca De Nuncio, with hard working performances from Nina O’Rourke as Motor Mouth Maybelle and Harry Pitts as Seaweed.

Little Inez (Bianca Metcalf) was deservedly an audience favourite, while Tess Metcalf was a very well characterised Penny. Some top notch cameos and smaller roles also had impact.

A live band, headed by Harry Oliff, provided well-balanced, tight accompaniment and included students, staff and community members.

A bright, functional, multi-level set, was well used, and bright costumes highlighted the race segregation and were a nostalgic delight.

Hairspray was a student production of the highest calibre that deserves its sell-out season. Congratulations to all involved!

Kimberley Shaw