Hairspray Premiere!

July 18, 2007

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Last night was the big NYC premiere of "Hairspray", the movie of the musical. Beyond being a superfan of the 80s original movie, I am oddly emotionally close to the musical, having dated someone from its original cast. I've seen - and loved - the show a multitude of times and was a veritable stage door Johnny. I was the guy who snuck in the theater three or four times a week at 10:33 PM, standing in the back watching my BF try to "Stop the Beat". (He never could stop that beat. Ya can't.)

So there are all sorts of relationship things tied into this show for me, and I know that sounds pretty queer. With a capital Q. It's true though.

Mark Shaiman and Scott Wittman not only are the genius, Tony winning duo behind the "Hairspray" soundtrack, they set me up with my ex!

I had been excited, yet apprehensive, about seeing the movie. I knew I was either going to be melancholy or flying. I wanted the movie to have every bit of the joy that I had experienced so many times in the theater. I got nervous a couple months ago when I saw the Oprah "Hairspray" episode. Something about it seemed weird to me, and then the trailer I saw was all "in a town where..." - I was worried.

I am happy to report that this flick is freaking fantastic. It was produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron - the guys behind "Chicago" and a ton more. Those guys know what they're doing and brought in the A-team for this ride! The movie is directed and choreographed by Adam Shankman and his love for dance and the original musical shines through. It has the dark comedy of John Waters’ original movie mixed with the ebullience of the musical.

I had been freaked out about seeing Travolta based on the "Oprah" appearance but he had me from the get-go. Michelle Pfeiffer was a triumph. Christopher Walken is hilarious. Nikki Blonsky, who Shankman discovered dishing ice cream at a Long Island Cold Stone Creamery, is fat and fab as Tracy. The adaptation back to screen is great.

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