Reviewed by Fran Edwards
August 2014
Are you in need of a lift, something to make you smile? Well Adelaide Youth Theatre has the solution – go see Hairspray, its a blast.
I saw the Thursday night production and they were great. Serena Martino-Williams is a standout as Tracey, but she is in good company. Jack Conroy makes a perfect Linke andKimberly Jones is lots of fun as Penny. Sascha Czuchwicki sparkles as Amber and is only out nastied by Georgia Payne as Velma (her mother). Josh Angeles has all the right moves as Seaweed and the they are impressive. Isobel Oppedisano shows lots of potential as Lil Inez, watch out for her!
Lindsey Prodea is a terrific as Corny Collins, oozing charm and hype. Brendan Cooney is very at home as Wilbur Turnblad the owner of a joke shop, a bit like playing himself, maybe? Marie Angeles is a little quiet as Motor Mouth Maybelle but gets there. Max Rayner pops in and out as various characters, bringing a laugh with each one!
Quiet is not the way I would describe Jamie Hornsby as Edna! I was impressed with Jamie’s performance as Fester in the Addams Family, but this is a step further. He captures all the nuances and the fun of this role and shows talent and experience beyond his years. All of this is backed up by some excellent dancing from the enthusiastic chorus.
My compliments to David Gauci, Emma Knights and Nina Richards, they have done a magnificent job with this young cast. The production has polish and pizzaz. The costumes are bright, colourful and appropriate. The backstage team has done a good job and the whole thing runs smoothly, AYT has produced another hit.
