(Left to Right) Nyoy Volante as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Dulce plays Motor Mouth Maybelle, Madel Ching as Tracy Turnblad, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as the villainous Velma Von Tussle, Tim Espinosa as Link Larkin
It’s Hairspray Fever
When the Hairspray preview ended, we all agreed this is one musical show that Manila will talk about when it opens tonight in Star Theater. (see: Everything You Need To Know About Hairspray, Manila)
Michael de Mesa‘s portrayal of Mrs. Turnblad was both hilarious and believable. You gotta see Michael de Mesa in “drag” outfit 🙂
I would give the best performance for the night to Menchu’s Velma Von Tussle. She portrayed the sexy, ambitious and evil beauty queen role quite well. Her performance of The Legend of the Miss Baltimore Crabs was memorable and realistic.
I still can remember Motor Mouth Maybelle’s (played by Dulce) belting of her solo songs ala Witney Houston.
Madel Ching as Tracy Turnblad and Tim Espinosa as Link Larkin
Madel and Tim’s Love Team
Bravo to Madel Ching for successfully performing the role of Tracy Turnblad! Her youth gives her the energy to dance (as if she was athetic) and to sing at the same time. She lasted the entire show with the same energy she started with. She was a little nervous during the opening scene but was able to gain her confidence towards the middle of the show. You gotta see her shake and shimmy dance! (Now I know why they chose Madel)
Tim Espinosa was a heart rob and I’m sure most of the teenage girls will fall in love with his performance.
Memorable Hairspray Moments
These are my favorite song and dance scenes in Hairspray:
Act I
Mama I’m a Big Girl Now – The Iconic Mother and Daughter Song/Dance Acts between Amber + Velma Von Tussle, Tracy + Mrs. Turnblad, and Penny + her mother.
Welcome to the 60’s – You’ll sing “Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh” after this act
Act II
The Mr. and Mrs. Turnblad’s Romantic Dance in You’re Timeless to Me
The finale Shake and Shimmy dance! ( I actually wanted to dance with them! )
What’s your Memorable Hairspray Moment?
Monica Reynoso as Penny and Nyoy Volante as Seaweed J. Stubbs
I was surprised that Nyoy can really dance like Gary V!
My personal favorite performance throughout the entire show was Monico Reynoso’s portrayal of Penny – Tracy’s best friend. I was smitten by her awkward performance, funny expressions and energetic finale dance.
Comedian Gabe Mercado and Enchang Caimo‘s performances, as the Male and Female Authoritative Figure respectively, deserve a standing ovation.
Thanks to Bobby Garcia for another awesome broadway musical show!
Overall, Don’t be left out… You Gotta Watch Hairspray!
(see: Everything You Need To Know About Hairspray, Manila)
Text and Photos by Anton Diaz. Copyright 2008.
Blog: www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Mobile: +63917-LOVEOAP (5683627)
Email: anton@diaz.ph
P.S. Please post a link to your own Hairspray Review in the Comments
Hi Anton
I was also able to watch the preview last Thursday night. It was so fun to watch indeed! We share a lot of favorites in the show as I was reading your blog. Here is my review: http://3xhcch.multiply.com/journal/item/260
Fred
Hi Anton,
It was a great opening night. Drop me a line if you need info. Here’s my review, check out: http://hairsprayinmanila.blogspot.com
Tim
im convinced! i will make sure to watch hairspray 🙂
hey anton, saw you at GMA Life TV 🙂
Nyoy as Seaweed??? Wow! That I gotta see 🙂
I love Michael de Mesa’s performance!! It’s just so fun seeing him dressed as a woman.
I also liked Nyoy’s performance… for me, he’s way better than Tim. He sings and acts better 🙂
I watched the opening night too. Nyoy was pretty cool. Both Menchu and Dulce were awesome! i wish though that they would be sensitive on how they position themselves on stage. i was seated about 7 rows from the front but on the left-most side. i saw alot of the actors’backs….
Sorry, I’ll have to disagree. I found Madel Ching’s performance did not live up to expectations. Her adorable-ness was a bit contrived and her voice was nearly forgettable.
Tim Espinosa’s Link Larkin on the other hand was just barely watchable. I very nearly cringed every time he would sing/speak…and the lisp didn’t help either. Heart throb? Not in the least bit…and this I got from three high school girls in the audience.
However, props to Nica Reynoso’s Penny Pingleton. I’ve known her for years but was unaware that she was part of the cast. I was literally bowled over to find out that she was Penny…because I did not recognize her. Excellent performance.
Menchu was, and always will be, electrifying!
…oh and I didn’t feel a connection between Ching’s Tracy and Espinosa’s Link.
im so excited to watch it on friday! 🙂