The production of “Hairspray Live” NBC came with a package of high expectations and big shoes to fill, but overall came out to the rating of good, nothing terrible, but also nothing exceptional. Especially when being compared to the Broadway legacy and excellence that is “Hairspray the Musical”.
The opening number, performed by new-comer Maddie Baillio, lacked the signature Tracy Turnblad excitement, and instilled a fear that this live broadcast musical was about to join the same category as the atrocity that is Sound of Music Live, from 2013.
However, the opening number was the lowest point of the musical and the performances only stepped up from there. The day was saved by Derek Hough, playing Corny Collins and accompaniment with the, “Nicest Kids in Town” number which created the perfect 1960s vibe for the remaining time of the musical.
Bailleo was later able to redeem her performance credibility with the song and performance of, “I Can Hear the Bells”, which truly captured the essence of the youthful and peppy Turnblad, as she fell for the ever dreamy Link Larkin, played by Garrett Clayton.
The appearance of Amber Von Tussle, played by Disney Star Dove Cameron, did not capture the true conniving character of von Tussle with a bit too much of a ditzy, whiny attitude to match the true spirit of the dancing teen striving for the Miss Baltimore crown. But, Cameron did fail to deliver in the singing department, exceeding in the lead vocals of “Cooties”.
Ariana Grande’s return to the Broadway seen did not disappoint, especially in regard to her vocal delivery and scenes with the equally out standing Ephraim Sykes, who played Seaweed. The scenes between the two have always been an centrical part to the theme of the play, and the pair did not drop the ball.
Throughout watching the classic the it certainly got better and better as time went on, the vocals and dancing were thankfully the highest point of the musical, it was just the capturing of the well-known characters that fell short.