It is hard to define just what makes a great show or business for that matter.
For me the conviction that the G&S Society’s upcoming production of Hairspray will be a smash hit at the Savoy Theatre in Gqeberha from 20 September to 7 October was strong whilst watching two numbers from rehearsals last night.
Enetering the Savoy Theatre, evidence of feverish work and activity was all around as stage props were being hammered, sawed and wrought into shape in the foyer, bar area and backstage.
My observation that I should have brought hammer and nails was met with a shout of delight from Rose Cowpar – Hairspray Director.
After short introductions to the Creative Team (whilst watching carnivores do what carnivores do!!!) we proceeded to the theatre for a sneak peek of the fun and jollity to come.
Hairspray demands a large cast – 50 something plus leads – and has been filled by a large number of first timers to the stage. BUT, do not let that deter you.
Hairspray will introduce fresh, young, accomplished talent to Gqeberha audiences and this infusion of new blood shows in the theatre and shines out of the ‘old hands’.
My conviction that the play will be a sold out sensation comes from my personal definition of just what makes a show great – if the cast genuinely enjoy and are excited about what they are doing then that love will be infectious for an audience. Smiles beget smiles, enthusiasm begets enthusiasm, committment shines through and performers reach higher heights.
An observation from one of the creative team was around how the young performers have given up their time outside of rehearsals to assist where necessary – carrying sets, fetching equipment and generally ‘owning’ the production whilst showing a great commitment to the musicals success.
Hence my firm conviction that this young, vibrant team of artists will deliver an exceptional performance and, most importantly, have an awesome amount of fun doing so.
The Creative Team for Hairspray:
- Rose Cowpar – Director
- Dario Broccado – Musical Director
- Joshua De Paula E Silva – Co-Vocal Director
- Hannah Barth – Co-Vocal Director
- Ashleigh Maling-Nel – Co-Choreographer
- Darren Rockman – Co-Choreographer
Of course my bias does shine through as I was pleased to note that Dave Limbert (Magnetic Storm) is tasked with doing his wizardry with the lighting.
Tickets to the Gqeberha show are available from webtickets.co.za. Weekday shows start at 19h30 with two shows on Saturdays and Sundays – 14h00 and 19h30. The musical runs from 20 September to 7 October 2023 at the Savoy Theatre, Perridgevale, Gqeberha.
Hairspray is an American musical with music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, with a book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, based on John Waters’s 1988 film of the same name.
The songs include 1960s-style dance music and “downtown” rhythm and blues. Set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, the production follows teenage Tracy Turnblad’s dream to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program based on the real-life Buddy Deane Show. When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight, leading to social change as Tracy campaigns for the show’s integration.
The musical opened in Seattle in 2002 and moved to Broadway later that year. In 2003, Hairspray won eight Tony Awards, including one for Best Musical, out of 13 nominations. It ran for 2,642 performances, and closed on January 4, 2009. Hairspray has also had national tours, a West End production, and numerous foreign productions and was adapted as a 2007 musical film. The London production was nominated for a record-setting eleven Laurence Olivier Awards, winning four, including Best New Musical.
What you can Expect:
Alan Straton
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