totally different staging Hairspray to NY and UK

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andrewcraig
Tony
Posts: 709
Joined: Wed Jul 29, 2009 8:33 pm
Location: Melbourne Australia

totally different staging Hairspray to NY and UK

Post by andrewcraig »

I had a fantastic night at Hairspray and was amazed to be told by a US visitor this version is vastly different to any of the current shows.

I am not very good at descriptions but found this on google.

Rumour was that the US team have expressed they like what is being staged in OZ and it might get a new life on Broadway. I have cut and pasted from the local review editing cast comments.
It is almost impossible to get a ticket as it reaches the end of its 6 month run, same as for Billy,and transfers to Sydney.
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A rare occurrence in musical theatre premieres has resulted in the Melbourne production of Hairspray not looking like its counterparts did on the West End or Broadway. Nearly all major musical theatre shows are purchased like a franchise, with quality control ensuring the sets, characters, costumes etc all look exactly like the original stage version did. New for the Melbourne production is an incredible set comprised almost exclusively of several enormous 7-metre tall television-like screens. As video technology continues to creep its way into contemporary theatre, the type of technology seen in Melbourne’s Hairspray is the first of its kind in the world.

The outer ring on the edges of the proscenium of the Hairspray set is the shape of a 60s television screen. All aspects of the show are cartoon-like and the huge video screens create a series of moving sets behind the performers. Developed by Sydney-based company Digital Pulse, this will almost certainly be the most impressive use of technology you have ever seen in a theatre production. Using animation and motion graphics, the brightly coloured sets not only move, but cleverly interact with the characters on stage. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea and they can make one a little giddy at times, this is an unbelievable set on a series of screens that leave your 50-inch plasma at home looking like your little sister’s iPod.

The Melbourne production of Hairspray showcases Australia’s ability to produce an international musical as good, if not better, than those on Broadway and the West End. This is first-rate musical theatre. Be prepared to go once, twice, three times if you can!
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