Hairspray

Last Friday, we went out to watch Manila adaptation of Hairspray by Atlantis Production. I watched the play along with my "playmates" (friends who also like to watch stage plays! props to ade for coining the term! lol!), Ade and Che, together with Jem and Drey.

Since watching West Side Story, we wanted to watch another musical production. Ade and Che decided to watch Hairspray so I tagged along! Thanks to my nigga Dale for giving me a ticket! Haha!

With the play starting at 8pm, I picked up Che in her house around 6pm. She skipped tutoring just to see the play! Naks! Haha! We then hurried to pick-up Ade, pero medyo traffic. We also got lost along the way to Ade! Haha! Wala kasing left turn, so we went straight ahead. Yung next left turn, sa Robinson's Place na! So Ade walked nalang to meet us! Haha!

But that was the least of our problems. When we got to CCP, SUPER traffic! As in nag-lock yung mga kotse sa traffic. Buti nalang, once we got to the parking lot, may palabas so naka-park kaagad kami! Hehe. We immediately went to the building with a BIG sign saying, "THEATER". Akala namin nandoon yung Hairspray, yun pala concert ng Toto yun! Haha!

Star Theater was at the other side pala, so we immediately went there. We're late, after all. At least, we only missed a few scenes. Drey and Jem, on the other hand, almost missed the whole of the first half. Haha! Galing kasi sila from from work (Makati).

Che, Jem, and Drey

Fil and Ade

The "Playmates"! Haha!

Now talking about the play, it was GREAT! I've heard of Hairspray before as its an award-winning play which was then made into a full motion picture with John Travolta as one of the cast. I knew it was great but I've never seen the movie nor any formats of the play. This is actually the first time I'm seeing an adaptation of Hairspray... and I can proudly say that the Atlantis Production is good! :)

The story is about Tracy Turnblad, an obese teenager who dreams of joining her favorite dance TV program, the Corny Collins Show. Eventually, she got her chance to be on the show. She got noticed by doing some new dance moves, thanks to her black friend, Seaweed. Eventually, she got popular. Wanting to return the favor, she wants Seaweed and the rest of the black community to be accepted (remember that the play is set during the 50s where racism is still rampant) and to be featured into the show. Of course, not all goes well as Tracy gets the ire of the show's producer, the racist Velma Von Tussle. Great humor, dancing, and singing follows! :D

The songs were extremely catchy, and the dance sequence were amazing, thanks to the great cast! The cast included stars such as Michael De Mesa who plays Tracy's mom, Edna; Mechu Lauchengco-Yulo, a seasoned veteran performer as well as a musical director (she directed Stages' West Side Story!), was amazing as the villain Velma Von Tussle; Nyoy Volante was a pleasant surprise as Seaweed... I never knew Nyoy Volante can dance well! Then there's Dulce who plays Motormouth, Seaweed's mom, with great, great vocal range!

The real star however was Madel Ching, who played the chubby protagonist Tracy Turnblad. Drey said it best: "Ang galing niya, para makasayaw ng ganun sa laki niya!" Hahahaha! She's gonna be a star! ;p

The production sets were nice too. Not as extravagant as West Side Story, but still nice.

We were very satisfied. The show was worth the admission. Che was even dancing the whole time during the show!! (hahahahaha!!!! walang kokontra, blog ko ito!! hahaha!)

I think the show lasted for a good 2 hours, and all five of us haven't taken dinner yet! So we rushed towards Harbour Square to have dinner at Dencio's. Drey and Jem left right after dinner. The three of us, however, went to have deserts at Icebergs. Panalo yung mga discussions the whole night. Si Che kasi, very colorful yung mga topics! Hahahaha!! ;p

Around 2am, we decided to go na so I gave my fellow "playmates" a ride home. Haha. I had a really great time. I'm wondering what the next play we'll watch! Haha! (Che and Ade are even contemplating on repeating the Hairspray.. I just read Che's text message now! Haha!)

Anyhoo, I'm actually praying that someone produces a Grease adaptation here in Manila. ;p