Hairspray
at South Lakes High School

Reviewed on May 2, 2015

Lydia Gompper
George Mason High School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

It's 1960's Baltimore, and the times, they are a-changin'. Hemlines are creeping ever-higher, hairdos keep getting bigger, and integration is knocking on America's front door. Set in this turbulent era, South Lakes High School's production of "Hairspray" finds an unlikely hero in Tracy Turnblad, a plump, unconventional young girl with big dreams, who simply doesn't understand why everyone can't just dance together.

Following its Broadway release in 2002, "Hairspray" ran for more than 2,500 performances and took home eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Considered a social commentary on the various injustices of the '60s, the story follows Tracy as, after achieving her long-held dream of performing on the "Corny Collins Show," she sets out to give others the same opportunity by putting a stop to the program's policy of segregation, all while managing to nab her dream boy, Link Larkin. The theme of racial divisions continues to be highly relevant today, especially considering the recent events in modern Baltimore, half a century later.

South Lakes High School gave an absolutely stellar performance. Their production was a constant explosion of wild fun and hilarity, mixed together with an abundance of uninhibited, pure talent. The cast expertly handled both the musical's many light moments and its serious ones, transitioning smoothly between the two. Although the sound system presented a few issues, making it difficult to hear many of the performers, and the large group dances occasionally felt a tad jumbled, the musical was overall incredibly impressive.

Freshman Mely Megahed, as the heroine Tracy Turnblad herself, was a true triple threat. Opening the show strong with her rendition of "Good Morning Baltimore," she boasted stunning pipes, mixing together a wonderful natural voice with silly vocal choices that made her character complete. Her belt, as shown in numbers, such as "Welcome to the '60s" and "I Can Hear the Bells," was truly out-of-this-world. As an actress, Megahed delivered all the endearing eccentricity and idealism that a great Tracy requires, with comedic timing that had the audience in fits of laughter.

Tracy's two closest companions, her best friend Penny Pingleton and her romantic interest Link Larkin, were performed exceptionally by Maddie Murphy-Neilson and Harrison de Wolfe, respectively. Murphy-Neilson was adorably dorky in her role, and the physicality of Penny's sweet awkwardness was impeccable. DeWolfe, meanwhile, was the perfect embodiment of a charming, crush-worthy teenage boy, with a smirk to make girls swoon and a silky, smooth-singing voice, as shown off in such tunes as "It Takes Two" and "Without Love."

South Lakes certainly had enough talent to go around. Highly notable among the supporting cast were Brentan Walter as Corny Collins, the titular host of the "Corny Collins Show," Karin Hoelzl as Amber Von Tussle, Tracy's shrill, jealous rival, and Amirah Kirwan as Motomouth Maybelle, the matriarch of the African-American community who Tracy befriends. Walter's singing was superb, and he was well-suited for his role as a charming television personality. His best comedic moments were easily his interactions with Amber, whom he treated with dry, eye-rolling irritation. Amber herself was portrayed excellently by Hoelzl, whose annoying demeanor and high-pitched voice was perfect for the character. Lastly, Kirwan's vocal performance was possibly the best of the night, wowing the audience in her solo number, "I Know Where I've Been," for which she received thunderous, well-deserved applause.

South Lakes High School's production of "Hairspray" was a night to remember. The stunningly-talented cast had the crowd dancing in their seats, regretful to leave when the show was over. Supported by a myriad of powerful performers, "Hairspray" was a definite stand-out.

Santiago Mallan
HB Woodlawn
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Fairfax

A night of fun and heart awaits you at South Lakes High School's production of Hairspray the Musical.

Hairspray opened on Broadway in 2002 with music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman and a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan. The musical, chronicling the life of a plump but perky teenager named Tracy Turnblad and her tireless efforts to get on a local TV dance show, was a massive hit, racking up eight Tony wins and lasting over 2,500 performances. Set in the colorful but segregated world of 1960's Baltimore, Tracy breaks gender barriers, weight barriers, and race barriers to achieve her dream, and helps many others in achieving theirs, all to a toe-tapping '60s rhythm and blues score.

South Lakes' production shone with charisma and talent. The set, though simple, gave the show a fun-loving atmosphere. A massive amount of period props and costumes added to the immersion into the performance. Though the production encountered a few minor difficulties with microphone amplification, this was negated by the support of an impressive pit orchestra and several standout voices in the ensemble.

The cast was remarkably strong, whether singing, dancing, or staying in character. Very few weak links were to be found in the extensive list of secondary and tertiary characters. From the beginning, Brentan Walter, portraying the groovy Corny Collins, (host of Tracy's favorite dance program), sports an impressive knack for singing and comic timing, delivering sly witticisms and crooning melodies as he slinks across the stage. Corny's show is produced by the heartless and seductive Velma Von Tussle (Sequoia Carrillo) whose vicious nature is exposed by her quest to get her spoiled daughter Amber (Karin Hoelzl) a prime spot on the program. Carrillo and Hoelzl had a great chemistry that made for a convincing mother-daughter duo. Soulful vocals by black matriarch Motomouth Maybelle (Amirah Kirwan) and slick dance moves by Seaweed J. Stubbs (Nathan Nkomba) added variety and energy to the production.

Tracy's mousy best friend Penny Pingleton was played exceedingly well by Maddie Murphy-Neilson. Her brilliant comic timing was supplemented by a jaw-dropping voice that was unparalleled in the cast. The role of Link Larkin, the Corny Collins show's resident heartthrob, was taken on by first-time actor Harrison de Wolfe, who wowed audiences with a phenomenal voice and acting range to match his phenomenal hair. A mumu-donning Jacob Kemp played Tracy's mother Edna, and his committed, hilarious drag performance made him a fan favorite and had the audience in stitches.

Finally, Tracy Turnblad was played by ninth grader Mely Megahed. Her performance was stunning, delivering professional-level vocals, comedic brilliance, and endearing physicality, all of which contributed to making her character believable and true beyond belief. She carried the musical through its highest and lowest parts, and fit her role so snugly one might think it was written for her.

A brilliant cast, impressive costume and prop stock, and catchy, well-delivered tunes made for a night of pure fun and hilarity not often seen at a high school production.

Aline Dolinh
Oakton High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

Ladies and gentlemen, let's twist and turn back in time to 1962, to hear the story of how one girl with big hair and an even bigger heart changed her city forever through the unlikely power of dance. South Lakes High School's production of Hairspray definitely gave us a warm "welcome to the sixties" with their hilarious yet heartfelt rendition of the beloved musical.

Originally a campy 1988 John Waters film, Hairspray followed the story of Tracy Turnblad, a Baltimore teenager who sought both fame and an end to racial segregation on the popular dancing program The Corny Collins Show. The movie gained cult status and was eventually reborn as a 2002 musical with music and lyrics by Marc and Scott Shaiman and book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan. It opened to accolades and eventually danced its way back to the big screen in an award-winning 2007 film of the same name.

Mely Megahed shined as aspiring dancer Tracy, perfectly embodying her plucky teenage spirit through a committed performance and exceptionally robust vocal range. Her palpable chemistry with the suave, sweet-talking Link Larkin, played with consistent charisma by Harrison de Wolfe, was one of the show's strongest parts, exemplified by musical numbers like the sultry "It Takes Two" and hopeful, earnest "Without Love." Maddie Murphy-Neilson also brought Tracy's sheltered-turned-rebellious best friend Penny Pingleton to life with her impeccable comedic timing, and her hilariously disciplinarian mother Prudy (Kat Vlasova) drew laughs every time she came onstage. Likewise, Jacob Kemp and Arthur Payne, as supportive parents Edna and Wilbur Turnblad, respectively, shared a sweet onstage dynamic that shone in the loving "Timeless to Me." Other standouts among the strong leading cast included Brentan Walter as consummate showman Corny Collins, who played the dancehall host with a lived-in physicality and charm, and Amirah Kirwan's defiant Motormouth Maybelle, who belted soulful civil rights anthem "I Know Where I've Been" with stunning power.

The smooth-moving Nathan Nkomba as Seaweed J. Stubbs also strengthened the show through impressive dance moves. Moreover, the choice to keep the choreography historically accurate helped further immerse the audience into another era. Overall, despite some uncertainty, a largely-committed ensemble kept the musical moving forward. Colorful period costumes also helped add retro authenticity to the production, and a skilled orchestra flawlessly provided every rhythm and beat onstage. In spite of a few problems with microphones, the technical crew altogether succeeded in running a smooth production.

South Lakes put a new spin on this feel-good musical, resulting in a show that, like Tracy herself, didn't miss a beat. Its message of social acceptance in segregated Baltimore still rings painfully relevant today. Thanks to the cast's strong character choices, the show seemed to glide along as smoothly as the aerosol clouds of hairspray that lent it its name. It reminded the entire audience of the fact that even when all seems lost, we can still "shake and shimmy it with all of our might."

Lily Brock
Langley High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - Reston

Beneath the façade of new egg-shell blue Cadillacs and pristine, caucasian families grinning gamely on prime-time television, the early 1960s simmered with racial tensions and fraying ties between tradition and reality. South Lakes's production of "Hairspray" concentrated on these societal changes through a concoction of song and dance, contributing spirit and humor to an important account of American history.

Based on the 1988 film by John Waters, "Hairspray" has risen to popular acclaim with book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan and music and lyrics by Scott Whitman and Mark Shaiman. The story follows Baltimore teen, Tracy Turnblad as she pursues her dream to dance on The Corny Collins Show, the time period set upon the precipice of massive social change. Tracy soon joins with a new band of friends to push for the integration of the show, all the while "hearing the bells" for the teenage Adonis, Link Larkin. The recipient of numerous awards, "Hairspray" has been adapted to the screen and undertaken countless times, proving itself an enduring audience favorite for its lively score as well as its handling of important social issues, which have remained pertinent well beyond the 1960s.

Mely Megahed served as the production's endearing, pivotal focus as Tracy Turnblad. Committing whole-heartedly to every shimmy and jive, Megahed was a comic treasure equipped with impressive pipes, energetic moves, and well-placed snorts and sighs to boot. Her undeniable stage presence promised chortles and guffaws each time she graced the stage. Harrison de Wolfe as Link Larkin seemed to swagger straight from the pages of a Tiger Beat magazine. Delivering vocals apt for an early 1960s Victrola, DeWolfe took to his role with a remarkable ease. The onstage chemistry between Megahed and DeWolfe made numbers such as "Without Love" a joy to watch as DeWolfe's smirking confidence comically meshed with Megahed's adolescent excitement.

Filling the over-sized bedroom slippers of Edna Turnblad, Jacob Kemp served up a sometimes nagging, always hilarious rendering of Tracy's mother. Kemp and Megahed worked well off of one another, crafting a genuine bond between mother and daughter. Playing Amber Von Tussle, Karin Hoelzl executed her jives and pivots with a precision and fervor adeptly resonate of her character. The ensemble, particularly the Council ensemble, lent enthusiasm to their roles, seeming to have a good time onstage.

The production was ultimately anchored by its capable orchestra that tackled the infectious score with diligence. The view from the house was a radiant once, the stage dotted with colorful frocks and crisp slacks. Considering the substantial cast size, the costume crew did a commendable job in maintaining the period and spirit of the subject material. Additionally, the bouffants dawned by almost every female cast member were solid enough to be used as an advertisement for "AquaNet Hairspray." Despite some problems with diction and volume, character objective and plot remained clearly intact courtesy of the cast and crew's meritorious efforts.

"Hairspray" grappled with the tumultuous collision of engrained bigotry and civil rights with an optimistic character. The show carried the momentum of its message with the pulsing rhythm of changing music and changing minds. No-doubt a delight for the audience, South Lakes's "Hairspray" capitalized on the comedy for a light-hearted discussion of heavy social issues.

Alexis Apostolou
Langley High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Coming to you live from South Lakes Theatre Arts, Hairspray the Musical. Warning: Prepare to sing and dance your way home after the wildly entertaining show, flashing its colorful characters and effervescent dance numbers. But while outwardly fun-loving, Hairspray carries an underlying plot rich with pressing issues of the 1960s, addressing self-image and the increasing racial tensions during the American Civil Rights era. The modern pertinence of both matters makes Hairspray a spicy show of the present as well as a dazzling dive into the past.

Starting as a film in 1988, Hairspray was later adapted into a Broadway musical that opened in 2002, and further a movie released in 2007. The plot, set in 1960s Baltimore, follows the sprightly teenage Tracy Turnblad, who, despite being overweight, is an avid dancer. Tracy religiously tunes into the Corny Collins show to catch Baltimore's stylish teens jive, bop, and bounce on live TV. After auditioning to be on the show, Corny recruits her to be a regular. Tracy's gusto and charisma attracts the show's heartthrob, Link Larkin; the only problem is his mean-girl girlfriend Amber Von Tussle, who is already bitter about Tracy making the show. Meanwhile, Tracy is set on integrating the program to include both black and white dancers. Following mother-daughter relationships, girlfriend-boyfriend developments, and friend-friend bonds, the theme of discrimination is the underlying glue that connects each component of the plot.

South Lakes's cast included a few Broadway-worthy mentions. The flamboyant and eccentric Edna Turnblad was played by Jacob Kemp, who transformed into the loud and proud mama of Tracy Turnblad. His confidence and constantly expressive body movements made him a lovable character who demanded attention on stage. He managed to be comedic as a manly woman without mocking the role-reversal. Additionally, he hit each note in his gutsy songs with bravado. Link and Tracy, played by Harrison de Wolfe and Mely Megahed, respectively, were also a pair worth noting. Not only their unfaltering chemistry on stage, but also their individual vocal finesse made them the dynamic duo that carried the show's animated cast. Another spotlight hit Karin Hoelzl square on. In her role as Amber Von Tussle, she mastered devilish glares and flouncy strides alike. It is tough to capture the mean-girl vibe of such a well-known archetype, but with omnipresent energy and stylized dance moves, Karin Hoelzl was the perfect high school bully.

Boosting the glowing cast was the pit orchestra, which opened each half of the show and continued to provide rhythm and jazz through every high-spirited number. The stage crew was quick and effective, and transitions were clean and unnoticeable. The cast knew each other's strengths and weakness and played off of that camaraderie to present an amusing and appetizing visual.

With a flash of fluffy polka-dot skirts and sky-high up-dos, South Lakes's cast brought the beloved Hairspray to their high school, transforming 1960s issues to 2015 in a palatable and dynamic show. The foot-tapping and head-bobbing evening proved that things never go out of style.

Katherine Byrnes
Connelly School of the Holy Child
Submitted for publication to Connection

South Lakes High School's production of Hairspray showed that "You can't stop the beat" of these performers.

Hairspray, originally a 1988 film, was made into a stage musical and debuted on Broadway in 2002, where it ran successfully for six years. Set in the 1960s, Hairspray chronicles the crusade of the heavyset, yet talented Tracy Turnblad in her efforts to become a "regular" dancer on the Corny Collins Show. The upbeat and comical music manages to also touch on more serious issues, such as racial segregation and having a positive body image, through Tracy's defiance of the time's societal norms. Her awkward best friend Penny Pingleton, newfound friend Seaweed J. Stubbs, crush Link Larkin, and supportive parents accompany Tracy on her adventures.

Mely Megahed, who played Tracy, wowed the audience with strong dancing and vocals. Megahed poured the essence of her character Tracy into all of her lines and songs. Harrison de Wolfe, who played the suave Link Larkin and develops a romance with Tracy, executed his choreography exactly and charmed the audience with his smooth voice, exhibiting a wide vocal range in the songs "It Takes Two" and "Without Love." Karin Hoelzl, cast as Tracy's adversary Amber Von Tussle, nailed her vocals and acted with the intensity and exasperation of Amber's character.

Tracy's parents Wilbur and Edna Turnblad, played by Arthur Payne and Jacob Kemp, displayed chemistry and captivated the audience with their cute song "You're Timeless To Me." Kemp, who played the traditional drag role of Edna, embodied Edna's protective and comical personality. Maddy Murphy-Neilson played the innocent Penny Pingleton, stunning the audience with her melodious solos and delivered lines with explicit comedic timing. Although the ensemble's energy dropped low at times and some of the group choreography was not executed at the same time, the ensemble kept the show going no matter what and showcased their best dancers, especially during the second act.

Generally, the props, makeup, hairstyles, and costumes fit the styles of the '60s and helped transport the audience to Baltimore at that time. Set changes were efficient and effective. The voices of all of the actors with microphones were audible. Lighting was simple yet sufficient. The band added energy to the show and played each piece with precision.

The combined efforts of South Lakes High School's cast, crew, and band gave the audience a warm "Welcome To The '60s!"

Sarah Santoro
Stone Bridge High School
Submitted for publication to South Lakes Sentinnel

Whether you're talking about hairstyles, dance steps, or equality, each year brings something new, and no one can stop the times from changing. In a charming and entertaining production of Hairspray, the students of South Lakes High School portrayed the duality of the '60s, an era remembered both for its upbeat pop culture and momentous social upheaval.

The beloved musical, based on John Waters's 1988 film, opened on Broadway in August 2002, with music by Marc Shaiman, and it ran until January 2009, for a total of 2,500 performances. The production was nominated for 13 Tony Awards and won eight. The West End production was nominated for an unprecedented 11 Laurence Olivier Awards and won Best New Musical. A 2007 film version boasting names like John Travolta, Michelle Pfieffer, and Zac Efron became the sixth highest-grossing musical film in the United States, a testament to the popularity of the heart-warming story.

Tracy Turnblad is a "pleasantly plump" teen growing up in the segregated, often closed-minded world of 1962 Baltimore, who wants more than anything to dance on the regrettably homogenous Corny Collins Show. With a little bit of guts and a whole lot of pluck, she secures a spot on the program and becomes an overnight sensation. Her own confidence and strong moral compass help inspire other people in her life to fight against the roles they've been forced into. As she and her friends fight for integration, the upbeat show becomes a strong social commentary on injustice and the fight for equality.

Mely Megahed embodied perky, idealistic Tracy in an extremely endearing performance. She showed off a knack for comedy, a charming stage presence, and strong singing chops in numbers like "Welcome to the '60s" and "Without Love."

In a loudly-printed house coat and a teased wig, Jacob Kemp portrayed both the brashness and insecurity of Edna in a performance that balanced the comedic aspects with the serious ones.

Smooth and confident, Harrison de Wolfe skillfully danced, sang, and winked his way through the show as heartthrob Link Larkin. DeWolfe's strong vocals and slick attitude played up the hammy Elvis-inspired aspect of the role, while his sincerity and earnestness showed Link's significant character development.

Amirah Kirwan's portrayal of Motormouth Maybelle lent a sense of gravity to the production. She commanded some of the show's most meaningful moments, and her impressive rendition of "I Know Where I've Been" created an emotional, impactful scene.

The production was full of large, dance-heavy musical numbers. And while some of the ensemble appeared to struggle a little with the choreography, the main characters handled it well and maintained their character choices through their physicality; Tracy was bubbly, Link was polished, and Seaweed was smooth and cool.

Although lapses in sound caused some especially funny lines to be lost, the actors didn't falter and still maintained the comedic, lively nature of the show.

The costumes and hair infused the show with charm and vibrancy. The full skirts, bright colors, and bouffants also served to effectively anchor the production in the early '60s, adding to the believability and the feeling of being transported back in time.

The pep, creativity, and talent of the cast and crew of Hairspray created a thoroughly entertaining rendition of the popular musical. The students of South Lakes High School combined comedy and authenticity to deliver a performance both amusing and thought-provoking.

Sam Boccia
Connelly School of the Holy Child
Submitted for publication to South Lakes Sentinnel

With palpable chemsitry, stunning vocals, and contagious humor, South Lakes High School's production of Hairspray blew the crowd away.

Based off the 1988 film, Hairspray made its Broadway debut on August 15, 2002, and soon, this production's cast and crew were strutting out of the 2003 Tony Awards with a whopping eight Tonys.

Hairspray, set in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1962, features a confident teenager named Tracy Turnblad (Mely Megahed) whose dream is to be on her favorite TV show, The Corny Collins (Brentan Walter) Show. With the support of her mother and father Edna (Jacob Kemp) and Wilbur (Arthur Payne) and her best friend Penny Pingleton (Maddie Murphy-Neilson), Tracy tries out for the show. Just as she dreamed, the eyes of Link Larkin (Harrison de Wolfe), the most handsome cast member of the TV show, that were once on the bratty Amber Von Tussle (Karin Hoelzl) are now primarily on Tracy. Tracy's ambition on the show is to have her African-American cast mates, who only make an appearance on the show once a month, integrated on the show, challenging most societal views during the time.

The Turnblad family was the highlight of the show. The charming Mely Megahed not only acted as, but also became, Tracy. Her specific character choices, including her scintillating smile, unmistakable passion for dance, and incessant commitment to integration, despite the prevalent racism, did not go unnoticed. Jacob Kemp and Arthur Payne's charming married-couple dynamic highlighted them as a pair, but also as individuals. Their interactions revealed Edna as a sassy, hilarious, over-protective mother and Wilbur as a heart-breaking father who would do absolutely anything for his family.

Harrison de Wolfe was a smooth, seductive Link Larkin whose intense smolder stole and broke the audience's hearts in a matter of seconds. He was dedicated to his role the entire show, giving the audience subtle hints about his infatuation with Tracy even when he was still with Amber. He brought Link's character development to life, giving the audience a clear notion of Link's transition from a follower to a leader strong enough to publicize his love for Tracy and support integration despite its controversy. He and Mely Megahed were committed to creating the fiery passion that their character's share.

Other noteable preformances were from Sequoia Carrillo, Brentan Walter, Maddie Murphy-Neilson, Karin Hoelzl, Amirah Kirwan, and Nathan Nkomba. Their performances showcased vocal talent and one-liners that kept the audience laughing throughout the entire show.

Despite some lines getting lost due to the occasional lack of diction, the cast, crew, and the amazing orchestra put together a truly heartwarming rendition of this musical that if anything, taught the audience one thing: You've got to think big to be big.