Electifying ‘Hairspray’ at Gem

By Thom deMartino
Orange County Tribune

There’s something in the air.

Maybe fluorocarbons.

The renowned Gem Theater in Garden Grove is currently staging their new production of “Hairspray”: directed by Damian Lorton, it’s the story of Tracy Turnblad (Evie Becerra), a teenager in 1962 Baltimore, and the cultural change she helps come to fruition.

She and her best friend Penny Pingleton (Reese Chavez) spend their afternoons watching their favorite teen music and dance program, the Corny Collins show, hosted by none other than the animated and energetic Corny Collins (Dalton Johnson). But Tracy has dreams to be a dancer on the popular teen show: and she may just get her chance, as Corny announces that the show will be holding auditions soon.

Her mother Edna (a brilliant Peter Crisifulli) is skeptical and dismissive; being “big-boned” runs in the family, and she wants to save her daughter from disappointment and potential ridicule. But while her mother plays the voice of reason, her father Wilbur (Tim Klega), who has followed his own dreams of becoming the owner of a joke and gag shop, is supportive of her from the start.

     But it’s not going to be easy for the teen – because even though the show bills them as “the nicest kids in town”, some are downright catty to the plus-sized protagonist when she auditions, particularly fan-favorite Amber Von Tussle (Ess Arensdorf), daughter to the show’s producer Velma Von Tussle (Nickie Gentry). Further complicating things is Tracy’s crush on teen heartthrob Link Larkin (the always top-tier Hayden Mangum), who also happens to be Amber’s boyfriend.

This being 1962, however, the show is segregated: the only time kids of color appear on the program is once a month on “Negro Day”… and Velma wants to keep it that way. She’s not subtle about her feelings about integration, saying things like “none of that Detroit sound today” and “they have their day, we have ours. What’s the problem?”

But Tracy is a true believer about integration, and when she finds herself in detention (again) with a number of black students, she meets the charming Seaweed J. Stubbs (Kyle Hill), brother to the energetic Little Inez (Lauryn Taylor-Piazza) and son to the local R&B radio DJ and record store owner Motormouth Maybelle (a marvelous Debbi Ebert), who hosts Corny Collins show during “Negro Day”.
The kids are determined to integrate the show, protesting publicly and making enough noise (to the chagrin of Velma) for the cops to get involved and arrest most of the protesters… in particular, the ones of color.

The divide is quite clear: one side clamoring for change and equality, while the other is determined to maintain the status quo and segregation. Time will tell whether Tracy’s resistance will be a catalyst for change… or is her dream of integration just that, a dream?

“Hairspray” is delightfully devious in how it engages the audience with the story of Tracy trying to follow her dream – then pivots to civil rights, the fight for equality, and the attempts of those in authority struggling to hold on to power and relevance.

Evie Becerra is magnetic, with an addictive eagerness and effervescence, taking over the stage with each of her musical and dance numbers (such as the excellent “Good Morning Baltimore” or the splendid “Mama I’m A Big Girl Now” as she shares the stage with Chavez’s Penny and Arensdorf’s Amber.) Crisifulli’s Edna is hilarious (this reporter did not have Edna’s character “dropping it low” on their bingo card), and Klega’s warm and loving dad Wilbur rounds out the charming family.

There’s many new faces in this production: with more than 32 actors in the show, there’s some great new additions and diversity to the theater troupe, such as Taylor-Piazza’s Inez, Arensdorf’s Amber, Precious Montgomery and Natalie Sargent’s Motormouth Kids, and many more.

Jon Michell shines in multiple rolls, including Harriman F. Spritzer (president of Ultra Clutch Hairspray, the Corny Collins Show sponsor), the school principal and Mr. Pinky (the flamboyant owner of Mr. Pinky’s Hefty Hideaway, a clothing boutique for big girls.)

A striking new addition to the Gem is Debbi Ebert herself; a longtime friend to the theater and One More Productions, this may be the first time she’s had a role in one of their shows, and she is an absolute marvel. Amazing presence and character, and her musical number “I Know Where I’ve Been” is an incredible, moving performance.

Also of note is the wonderful choreography, courtesy of Ryan Perry Marks and Kady Lawson: there are some great dance numbers, not the least of which is the rollicking “You Can’t Stop the Beat”, rounding out the show.

An outstanding show about both civil rights and a young girl’s dream of dancing without boundaries, “Hairspray” at the Gem is a special something for all ages: touching, engaging, yet absolutely hysterical. It’s still playing for a few more weeks, and they’ve even added a Saturday matinee along with their Sunday matinee, so be sure to check it out.

“Hairspray”: Evie Becerra, Peter Crisifulli and Nickie Gentry star in this tale of a curvy girl’s dream to join her favorite 1960’s dance program, regardless of stereotypes. Playing through March 29 at The Gem Theater, 12852 Main Street, Garden Grove, CA, 92840. Call 714-741-9550 x221 or email boxoffice@onemoreproductions.com for ticketing information. Appropriate for all ages.