Hairspray

Hairspray
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse
Johnstown, CO 
January 9-March 8, 2015

Like many other musicals, I had only seen the movie for Hairspray before attending a performance at the Candlelight Dinner Playhouse. I'd been to this theater before and had been impressed by the quality of the food and performances.

Since we had a long drive to get to the theater, we arrived a bit later than I would have liked. The staff, however, was warm and welcoming. We were served with plenty of time to finish our dinner before the show began. The food was tasty, if not spectacular, but much better than dinner theater food I have eaten in the past!

Before the show began we were informed that the actress playing Tracy would have "vocal support." Our waitress explained she had serious vocal chord issues. Once the show began, it was clear she was not singing, but after a short while we got used to it.

Once again, the performances were strong and the sets were fun. The song and dance numbers were filled with energy. Yet among the fun surrounding Edna Turnbladt's baritone voice, the story about racial inequality was not lost. Motormouth Maybelle's soaring anthem "I Know Where I've Been" will move you.

After the show, the actors were available for photographs in the lobby. The actress playing Tracy wasn't there, but when a hostess overheard my daughter ask where Tracy was, she arranged a private meeting. And despite her vocal issues, she spent some time visiting with us. So, Candlelight's staff gets extra credit for going out of their way to please their guests!