Anne Arundel residents who travel to Columbia to catch Toby's Dinner Theatre's production of John Waters' "Hairspray" will see not only a nostalgic gem of a show, but also the fabulous performances of two Arundel performers in starring roles.
Based on Waters' 1988 film, the show — with book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan and music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman — should provide a blast from the past for fans of WJZ's 1960s "Buddy Deane Show." Director and choreographer Mark Minnick draws top performances from his cast, showcasing members' dancing, singing and acting sparkle.
Minnick's choreography delivers the swinging '60s through an energetic ensemble.
Most noteworthy of Toby's leading repertory players is Annapolis resident Lawrence Munsey as Edna — the drag role originated by Harvey Fierstein on Broadway and played by John Travolta in the movie musical version.
Having enjoyed Fierstein's portrayal on Broadway, I'd rank Munsey's as equally high with his stellar dancing and singing.
Munsey invests the Edna role with more panache, humor, warmth and heart and his authentic-sounding Baltimorese ranks top of the cast.
Edna transitions from frumpy house dresses to floating queen-size gowns — which were designed by Munsey. His portrayal sets new standards for seductive feminine moves, enchanting stage husband Wilbur, played by notable Toby's regular David James.
James also has formidable song-and-dance skills, which are fully used as he pairs with Munsey in "You're Timeless to Me." The number casts a warm glow and becomes a high point of the show.
One who is not reprising a role but setting new standards for dance excellence is Anne Arundel Community College alumnus and Arundel resident Andre Hinds in the role of Seaweed Stubbs.
Hinds meets all challenges of the role and reveals noteworthy singing ability and credible acting skills, along with amazing dance skills. Hinds impresses here with athletic prowess and sensitive partnering skills.
As Seaweed's love interest, Penny Pingleton, Sophie Schulman proves a fine match.
Musical director Ross Scott Rawlings brings excitement to upbeat musical numbers such as "Good Morning, Baltimore" and "You Can't Stop the Beat," along with fresh nuance to such ballads as "You're Timeless to Me" and "Without Love."
Also contributing to this production is set designer David Hopkins, who creates a convincing 1960s Baltimore landscape and a TV studio for the "Corny Collins Show." Lighting designer Lynn Joslin creates a bandstand complete with lights blinking to the beat.
Heading the cast in her Toby's debut is Catholic University student Christie Graham as Tracy Turnblad. Graham is a vocal standout and a strong dancer who holds her own learning fancy moves from Hinds' Seaweed Stubbs.
Gabriella DeLuca displays strong vocal and dance skills as reigning dance princess Amber Von Tussle.
Other excellent players include Kelli Blackwell as Motormouth Maybelle, young Noelle Robinson as Little Inez, Justin Calhoun as Link Larkin and Heather Marie Beck as the "Corny Collins Show" producer.
"Hairspray" runs through Sept. 4 at Toby's Dinner Theatre of Columbia, 5900 Symphony Woods Road. Call 1-800-88TOBYS or 301-596-6161 or purchase online at tobysdinnertheatre.com.