A review of the recent production of 'Hairspray', written by Mr Roger Garrard
Mr Roger Garrard was a teacher at the College from 1952-1989 during which time he directed many College productions. The College is fortunate to be able to welcome back former staff and students who support current College events.
Everything about this production felt just right. A vast acting area, running almost the entire length of the hall, created sufficient space for almost the entire cast of 120 to be on stage and dancing at the same time, while intelligent use of the numerous entrances and exits enabled rapid transitions to either a closet scene with two or three individuals, or, which was most impressive, to an almost statuesque grouping, singing and communicating directly with the audience. At one point, two separate scenarios were being played simultaneously at the extreme ends of the stage, yet not a word was inaudible, not a gesture went unnoticed. Individual microphones contributed to this, of course, but chiefly it was skilful direction.
The general level of performance was so high it is almost unfair to single out individuals for praise, but one has to mention Cherry Terzza as Tracy Turnblad. Though she modestly claims in the programme notes that “I’m just being myself”, she it was who set the standard of infectious enthusiasm and all-out endeavour. Her singing voice never wavered from the effortless clarity and magnetism of the opening “Good Morning, Baltimore”, and she managed to convey a never-say-die optimism even in her darkest moments. If Jonny Hewardine was in any way over-awed by the famous names who have recently played Edna Turnblad, he did not let it show in his effortlessly good-humoured yet stoic portrayal of Tracy’s mother, while the other male soloists, outnumbered but not overshadowed, acted and sang with an unvarying panache, in particular William Arundell as Corny Collins and Matt Nelson as Link Larkin. But the accolade for singing must go to Dabota Clement-Harry as Motormouth Maybelle. She sang her solos with an assurance way beyond her years, not un-reminiscent of some of the great American singers whose names were projected on the screens framing the musicians’ balcony.
One looked in vain for the chorus member who was “lost” or dreaming at any point. All were so immersed in their roles that they had the audience swaying and toe-tapping with them. This says much for the rehearsing strengths of the staff responsible. Even the programme was a triumph, and the comment therein by the joint directors, Mrs. C. Foreman and Mr. I. Trafford, on the “amazing talent that is Miss Terry”, referring to her “exciting choreography”, was almost an understatement. Anyone who has ever been involved in directing a school production even approaching the magnitude of this, can appreciate how much effort, time and patience, as well as unflagging enthusiasm, has been put into this one by the directors. They were fortunate in having so multi-talented a musician as Mr. A. Day as musical supremo, almost “behind the scenes” up there on the balcony, and so many others who must have put in long hours creating costumes, props, scenery and “hairdos”.
RJG
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