Cheers George Wendt as Edna and Stephanie Pitsiladis as Tracy steal the show
Stephanie Pitsiladis in the Charlottetown Festival production of Hairspray
Roger Waters movie about Cinderella who wins the handsome prince without a transformation of her figure made a wonderful and fun filled evening at the Confederation Centre last night. The performance was as good as any on Broadway or in Toronto.
The actors, music and production carried the audience along in the most entertaining way.
The Broadway musical adaptation has been running in Charlottetown since September 8th. Tonight’s performance by George Wendt is the last of three chances to see him in the role of Tracy Turnblad’s mother. Wade Lynch sits in for him on October 5th.
Right off the bat, let me state my opinion that Wendt was better in the role than John Travolta’s performance in the movie musical. Travolta looked like he was stuffed with prosthetics. George Wendt has the girth but he added to it the moves of a woman of “size.”
Wendt looked like Edna Turnblad in character. The situation was both believable and hilarious all at once. He/she looked especially believable and comic in a house dress, leaning over the ironing board. At those special moments, Wendt could reach down into his chest for the deep male bass voice that got you for another hearty laugh. Wendt has played the role before on Broadway.
George Wendt as Edna in Hairspray, Charlottetown PEI
Stephanie Pitsiladis was outstanding as Tracy, the chubby girl who dreams of winning the dance contest and handsome young man in a Waters re-write of all the stereotypical Hollywood and Broadway cliches. Stephanie was fun, energetic, musical and the picture of positive thinking. She kept me smiling, laughing and rooting for her all night.
Larry Mannell was outstanding in his role as Tracy’s father, Wilbur Turnblad. He danced, sang and acted like he was the lead. It was perfect performance of musical comedy. He played You’re Timeless to Me, his love song to Edna, with all the right touches of love and laughter.
Without slighting any of the fine company, you couldn’t help notice the standout voice of Alana Bridgewater playing Motormouth Maybelle. She could belt the song to the rafters.
The actors were all doing a tremendous job of putting out their songs, dance routines and lines.The sets worked well and didn’t get in the way of the action. The orchestra was strong, musical and on the beat. The production was top notch, even to the headworn mics on the actors that kept the dialogue from drifting off into the backstage.
There was rarely a moment that felt like a 2nd string performance. Maybe Wade Lynch in his multiple roles and over acting stands out as the weakest moments. He transported me back to those cheesy moments in Anne of Green Gables with his exaggerated facial expressions.
Tomorrow only, Lynch takes over George Wendt’s role, which is probably why the Confederation Box Office announced a two-for-one sale.
If you haven’t seen Hairspray it will still be worth your time, although my guess is the Wendt shows will entertain more. The run ends on October 9th.
The Province of Prince Edward Island provided $200,000 in funding for George Wendt to appear in the play. For the audience, it was money well spent.
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