It was obvious that this live TV production of a stage musical that was itself based on a movie wasn't going to live up to the original movie. Even so, it was a good time. A newcomer plays Tracy Turnblad, the teenager whose quest to appear on a dance show becomes a quest for racial integration in 1962 Baltimore. My favorite performances came from Harvey Fierstein as Edna (the role played by Divine in John Waters's movie) and Kristin Chenoweth as Velma (the role played by Debbie Harry in John Waters's movie). Andrea Martin was also to die for as Prudy Pingelton, who freaks out at the sight of African-Americans (especially when her daughter falls in love with an African-American teenager).
I should probably admit that I've never seen the stage production, or the 2007 movie based thereupon. Nevertheless, "Hairspray Live!" was an OK way to spend three hours. Jennifer Hudson's performance as Motormouth Maybelle is a force to be reckoned with (take THAT, American Idol!).
So, it wasn't anything great - the interludes showing the audience were distracting - but still a fun way to spend a brief amount of time.
I should probably admit that I've never seen the stage production, or the 2007 movie based thereupon. Nevertheless, "Hairspray Live!" was an OK way to spend three hours. Jennifer Hudson's performance as Motormouth Maybelle is a force to be reckoned with (take THAT, American Idol!).
So, it wasn't anything great - the interludes showing the audience were distracting - but still a fun way to spend a brief amount of time.