Lee Mead Forum

i think you have is daniel ur other favourite joe?

Yes

Ben, Lee and Daniel. I wanted Lee to win Joseph as thought he would make the perfect one and Ben to get a part in something like dirty dancing or footloose (result there!) and Daniel is perfect in Avenue Q

Hairspray review for March 31st


No wonder everyone likes “Hairspray” more than “Grease”. The review outside the Shaftesbury said the “Grease” kids were about as diverse as the KKK and personally, I never saw a redeeming message in “Grease”. “Hairspray” on the other hand, really has a message about diversity and social conflict that you can see clearly but doesn’t bring down the bouncy merriment you get from the show. When I went to see a matinee of “Hairspray” on Braodway, even the New York critic guide (featuring the photo of a man being devoured by a shark) managed to strip the show down to it’s core and realize it’s a self-parody of American culture and crucial time in history—so the show was spared being flamed by the nail-biting critics.

I can understand Anne’s comment about “Hairspray” and the message involved that may turn some people off from seeing it. Unfortunately, segregation was a true part of American history. We started in school at the age of 7 learning about Martin Luther King Jr and the civil rights movements in the 60’s. It was really much more than just local dance shows. My grandmother who lived in Atlanta Georgia remembered signs on public parks and restaurants saying “No Colored People” in the front. (In the same vain, I find it hard to watch “Fiddler on the Roof” because I consider it only partially traditional/authentic to Jewish life in the shtetl and displays a somewhat negative and sarcastic portrayal overall)

Nevertheless, “Hairspray” has redeeming factors because as history has shown us, those who fight for the right to stand up and come through the front door will get in—but it’s better to do it with friends and spirit. Leanne Jones was a cute bundle of fun as Tracey and I’m glad to hear her sing without those little “oh oh oh” hiccups I found hard to listen to on a CD. It's a big, bright, funny, and vivacious musical.

As for Ben Ellis, I’ll keep saying it over and over again. He WAS Link Larkin. I thoroughly enjoyed the film but felt Zac Efron got away with more by being just a pretty boy with some smiles and winks. Ben, on the other hand, has to put on several shows and week and he certainly stands up to the plate with his Elvis impersonations and energetic dancing. (Remember his great “Blue Suede Shoes” from ADWD?) What’s better, this is believable role for Ben. It’s not the exhausting transition that Lewis is forced to make from Teen Joseph to Adult Joseph. Link is a high school teenager through and through and Ben can remain consistent in age even if his character takes a change of heart. He certainly picked up on the comic timing of it all. “I can hear the bells!” made the audience laugh when he was bent over Tracey’s semi-conscious body.

Michael Ball, oh my goodness. I can never tell if men enjoy doing drag or not but I presume by the time they’re on the big stage, they willingly go into stockings, hose, and lipstick and come out doing hilarious routines. (But it’s pronounced “schmatz” not “smalz). Favorite part is at the record store when Velma Von Tussell meets Edna Turnblat for the first time and says in a snippy voice, “Oh so you’re what spawned THAT!” as she points to Tracey. Michael goes silent, turns around, and says in a very unfeminine voice with a deep furious growl, “EXCUSE ME?!!”

The dancing was energetic and the audience was applauding even before the curtain dropped for the intermission. You could tell that every single person loved the performance and was ready to dance into the isles and onto the stage for “You Can’t Stop the Beat”.

Glad you enjoyed it
It's fantastic!

I saw Hairspray for the second time on Thurs. (matinee). I last saw it a year ago and it is as energetic and fun as before. This time Tracy's understudy, Charlotte Riby, was on and I thought she was just as good as Leanne Jones. Most impressive. I liked Ian Talbot as Wilbur and of course, Miichael Ball's Edna is amazing. He is clearly having so much fun in the part. I did miss Tracie Bennett's Velma. Was not convinced by Liz Robertson somehow. I do have to mention Elinor Collett as Penny Pingleton. She does a great job, so amusing.

I arrived early at the theatre (to check out bus routes back to the Adelphi), and waited at the Stage Door for about half an hour. I was lucky enough to see all 3 of the main characters up close. Charlotte arrived and had photos taken with some young female fans. Ben wandered by and waved to the 8 or so stage doorers, but was not stopped. (I had actually seen him earlier in a nearby cafe buying a sandwich.) Michael arrived really late (about 2 p.m.) but stopped for a few photos and autographs, despite his PA trying hard to move him on.

Sounds like good fun Sal!

I forgot to say that there are a lot of little references to things only those of us who were around in 1962 (when the show is set) that were most amusing. However these were not intruusive for younger audience members, but added an extra dimension for me.

The racial segregation issues somehow seemed even more obscene after the recent election of a black President of the U.S. - less than 50 years later. The world has certainly changed for the better in some ways.

I forgot to say that there are a lot of little references to things only those of us who were around in 1962 (when the show is set) that were most amusing. However these were not intrusive for younger audience members, but added an extra dimension for me.

The racial segregation issues somehow seemed even more obscene after the recent election of a black President of the U.S. - less than 50 years later. The world has certainly changed for the better in some ways.

Glad you had a fab time Sal! I have to see this ... the tickets are sooooo expensive and it would have to be a family trip cos the girls love the film as much as me!

Actually, Karen, I didn't like the film, and my OH fell asleep.

We have been spoilt with Joseph. It is the cheapesst musical in the West End.

I tried to get a cheap seat for Hairspray, but was quite pleased that I went for a good seat instead. Difficult choice if you have to take the family (if finances permit choice!!)

I've seen hairspray twice and it is just such a great show! Ben and Leanne have the perfect partnership and Michael Ball is hilarious. I recommend anyone to go!
xx

Hi Robyn. How are things with you?

I think you might be right about the Ben / Leanne connection. It was proobably better than Ben / Charlotte.

I did think that Charlottte was great as Tracy for Wed.mat. but she was exhausted by the CIN show.

Am very excited .... mother in law has just phoned to say she has bought us tickets to go and see Hairspray on the 16th January!! Couldn't tell the girls as its part of their Chrimbo pressie so had to come and jump up and down with excitement in here

*bounce* *bounce* *bounce**bounce*
..... now breathe

Oooh, that's fab, Bigbird!! Must be hard not telling the girls but they are going to love it...it's so funny and I remember laughing so hard that tears came into my eyes!!

WOW! what an amazing show .... for want of a better phrase bearing in mind the message behind the story ... it's colourful, loud and proud, full of great songs and the dancing (I would say WOW but have said it once already )

Micheal Ball is fab as Edna, Leanne Jones is brilliant actually they all were! Ben's dancing was amazing but was a bit disaapointed by the power of his voice (perhaps having seen Lee less than a week earlier my expectations were a little high !)

We all loved it ... Becca and Abigail sang and "danced" in their chairs all evening. Andy's parents and sister (who haven't seen the film) also really enjoyed it.

It has definately left me wanting to see MB sing as a man!