(Jackie Hoffman at Broadway Barks)
Photo by Maryann Lopinto
I have been a fan of the Hairspray Musical since it opened on Broadway several years ago and I adore the music of Marc Shaiman and his writing partner Scott Wittman. It is one of my favorite musicals on Broadway so I was looking forward to the making of this film.
I saw the original award winning cast of Hairspray which included: Harvey Fierstein, Jackie Hoffman, Marissa Winokur, Chester Gregory, Matt Morrison and Kerry Butler. This cast of Hairspray were outstanding and both Harvey and Marissa won Tony Awards for their performances. (Kerry Butler was robbed that year)
Harvey Fierstein brought a lot of himself to the role of Edna Turnblad. It made the character 'EDNA' the star of the show and he made her a Jewish, funny and passionate character. John Travolta on the other hand makes 'Edna' a wholesome mid-western boring housewife with no personality. I have always adored Mr Travolta in films, just not this one. He is miscast in this film and takes all the joy out of the character Edna. Harvey's Edna was a DIVA that captures the audiences funny bone and heart. He played the role like the incredible DIVINE in the first Hairspray film by John Waters.
What I loved about the musical was the edgy, kitschy and hilarious feel that Hairspray was about. It was about being different. About being able to be yourself no matter how geeky, no matter what size or color. It was about being able to tolerate people for being themself. I had a hard time watching this film without the glorious actor Harvey Fierstein. With Harvey this movie would have been the greatest movie musical since Travolta's Grease.(Travolta scored in Grease)
This film has become sweeter with less of an edge. The costumes are not the fantastic creations with the mile high hair in the Broadway show but a more leave it to Beaver feel.
The best thing about this film is the new Tracy Turnblad. Ms. Blonsky is perfect in the role. She has the voice. She has the smile and she can dance. She is positively perfect in every way. The only negative thing I felt about the film was the way they removed my favorite part about the show. They removed the CAMP.
John Travolta brings a new Edna to this film. He is not a man in drag rather Beaver Cleaver's Mother. All he needs to do is ask Wally if he would like a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich. They took out some of the funniest gags that remain in the Broadway version. This HAIRSPRAY removed my favorite scene when EDNA says "Tracy hold Mommy's waffles" All the funny lines are removed. Also there is no jail warden scene, there is no funny gym scene with the gym teacher which was played by Jackie Hoffman on Broadway.(Also Julie Halston later on)
Even without the CAMP, Hairspray is still a must see for Ms Blonsky and the fabulous singing and dance numbers.
The two things this film needed to be perfection are Harvey Fierstein and Jackie Hoffman.
Harvey Fierstein added the hilarious campy feel that made Hairspray special. Jackie Hoffman's facial expressions did more in two little scenes than in most of the larger roles. I don't know why all of these fantastic scenes were left out. They also removed Amber singing the "Cooties" song which was a huge part of the story line. No one makes fun of Tracy. She tries out and gets into the show and there is no teasing which was what the show was all about. Without these scenes it lost something.
On another note Queen Latifah was fabulous as Motor Mouth. Hairspray opens at theaters on Friday.
The film is a good film for children ages 5 and up. There is nothing racy in this film. I still prefer the Broadway Musical for the adults. If you are an adult you should really see the Broadway version over the film. I think the film makers removed the racy and campy numbers to appeal to the masses which is terribly sad.
For you campy divas check out the Broadway Musical and you will see the true genius of Shaiman and Wittman.
See you in the BIG DOLL HOUSE.
Corine Dana Cohen
