I have no idea what happens to the written reviews of the arts when I send Laura, Sarah, and Elijah off on their errands. Anything from the show’s LGBTQ politics to its cast’s diversity to its parking issue can be criticised. We aren’t trained critics, but our combined opinions on the arts should entice you to see a show sooner rather than later. ~ Sue
In the evening on Tuesday, I returned to work after a weeklong break. Sue jogged my memory that Tuesday night was the Benedum’s performance of the musical Hairspray. For the life of me, I tried to get out of going.
The prospect of exerting myself further exhausted me. Sarah P, my musical pal, was, nonetheless, looking forward to it. I gave in because I know I’ll have fun hanging out with Sarah. The group set out for the Benedum.
Pittsburgh’s Response To Hairspray Challenges Right Wing Attacks On Drag Artists
When I assign Laura, Sarah, and Elijah to write reviews of various artistic endeavours, I have no idea where the completed reviews will end up being placed. Everything is up for discussion, from the logistics of parking and seating to the manner in which the cast is portrayed to the LGBTQ politics that are addressed in the show.
Even though we are not trained critics, we hope that sharing our opinions on the arts with you may inspire you to go to a show sooner rather than later. ~ Sue
After a much-needed break, I went back to work on Tuesday night for the first time since leaving for vacation. Sue brought to my attention the fact that the musical Hairspray was going to be performed at the Benedum on Tuesday night. I did not want to go.
I was exhausted, and I thought that doing so would be excessive. On the other hand, Sarah P, who is both a friend of mine and a musical companion, was looking forward to it. And because spending time with Sarah is guaranteed to be enjoyable, I gave in. We were going to the Benedum, so off we went.
John Waters is the author of the play “Hairspray,” which is set in Baltimore in 1962 and centres on a plus-size teen named Tracy Turnblad. Tracy is attempting to racially integrate a popular teen dance show that is directed by Corny Collins and run by Velma Von Tussel for the benefit of her popular, thin daughter, Amber Von Tussel, who becomes Tracy’s adversary.
The play was based on Waters’ own life experiences. Along the journey, we meet Tracy’s mother, Edna, her father, Wilbur, her closest friend Penny, and a full cast of colourful characters. Edna is Tracy’s mother, and Wilbur is Tracy’s father.
The musical is about pursuing one’s aspirations, and it also provides cutting social criticism on segregation, pointing out how completely absurd it is…
Tracy is at a loss to comprehend the rationale behind the black and white teenagers’ inability to dance together. Her ambition to become a celebrity and her efforts to make that dream come true put her in a number of precarious situations, but in the end she is successful in both endeavours.
The musical is a technicolour extravaganza, from the stage sets to the costumes worn by the cast members. The music brings both delight and inspiration to the listener, notably the songs
“You Can’t Stop the Beat” and “I Know Where I’ve Been,” which are performed by the character Motormouth Maybelle, who is represented by Sandie Lee in a stunning performance.
Now, onto the politics of the LGBT community. In the original version of the film from 1988, director John Waters cast a drag queen by the name of Divine as Edna Turnblad. Edna was portrayed by Harvey Fierstein in the NBC live version broadcast in 2016. It is customary for a male dressed as a woman to portray the role of Edna.
(In point of fact, Dvine appeared in at least one further film directed by John Waters, titled Pink Flamingos.) It would appear that this is a political act, given that many on the right have recently demonised drag queens by depicting them as paedophiles and child groomers.
In keeping with the central message of Hairspray, which is that segregation is absurd, this is not just laughable but also terribly hurtful. But when Edna took the stage, there was not a single person in the audience who jeered. The audience responded with cheers and laughter.
A theatre in Pittsburgh that was packed with people and had children in the crowd did not appear to be the least bit bothered by Edna’s performance.
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Final Words
I have no idea what happens to the written reviews of the arts when I send Laura, Sarah, and Elijah off on their errands. Anything from the show’s LGBTQ politics to its cast’s diversity to its parking issue can be criticised.
We aren’t trained critics, but our combined opinions on the arts should entice you to see a show sooner rather than later. ~ Sue
In the evening on Tuesday, I returned to work after a weeklong break. Sue jogged my memory that Tuesday night was the Benedum’s performance of the musical Hairspray. For the life of me, I tried to get out of going.
The prospect of exerting myself further exhausted me. Sarah P, my musical pal, was, nonetheless, looking forward to it. I gave in because I know I’ll have fun hanging out with Sarah. The group set out for the Benedum.
John Waters’ Hairspray is set in 1962 Baltimore, and follows a fat adolescent named Tracy Turnblad as she tries to integrate a dance concert for teenagers hosted by Corny Collins and Velma Von Tussel (for the benefit of her popular, thin daughter, Amber Von Tussel),
who becomes Tracy’s archenemy. We meet Tracy’s mother Edna, father Wilbur, best friend Penny, and a slew of other interesting people as the story progresses.
