I’ve been neglecting my blog… and for no good reason. Yes. I am busy. Lots going on. But that is a poor excuse. There is so much I am meaning to share with you all. So much good news, so many fun sessions, and I’ve just let them all pile up. I will catch up. One day soon.
This post, however, cannot wait.
My wonderful Fiancé (ha! yes. news? after being together for the better part of a decade… things are falling into place and we have started planning. I will be his Mrs. and he will be my Mr. in Feburary 2012 and we couldn’t be happier)
Anyways……… like i was starting to say, my wonderful Fiancé is in the Diamond Head Theatre Production of “Hairspray”. He plays the role of Corny Collins and sings (wonderfully may I add) Nicest Kids in Town and Hairspray.
I have been blown away by this production. Everything about it is wonderful. The most fabulous director, Mr. Andrew Sakaguchi has done an amazing job casting, directing and choreographing this play. Words fail me when I think of this wonderful man. He’s got a heart of gold and he is so fabulous at what he does. I only wish him the VERY BEST in all his future endeavors. Thank you, Andrew… for welcoming me into your Hairspray ‘Ohana and letting me be a part of this amazing experience. You are in my heart forever.
Every single person fits into this puzzle perfectly. From the moment Stacey Pulmano (Tracy Turnblad) opens the show with “Good Morning Baltimore”… you are hooked. Stacey can sing, dance, and she makes you fall in love with her instantly! Randl Ask (Edna Turnblad) comes to us from New York, out of retirement… to play this roll. And lemme tell you… they could not have found a better person to play Tracy’s Mom. Leiney Rigg (Amber Von Tussle) is so wonderful to watch… you hate and love her all at the same time (that’s how good her acting skills are!)… both my kids love it when she sings “Cooties”. Alexandra Lanning (Tracy’s best friend Penny Pingleton) has such a powerful, beautiful voice… and her comedic timing is impeccable. Reyn Halford (Link Larkin) … fits his roll to the “T”. He’s got all the girls (young and old) swooning over his beautiful smile and charm. Jonathan Sypert (Seaweed J. Stubbs) can DANCE! His song “Run and Tell That” requires some major vocal chops and dancing skills and he pulls it off beautifully!!! Howard Bishop (Wilbur Turnblad) does such an amazing job as playing the a little odd, but very supportive father. His number with Edna “You’re Timeless To Me” is simply wonderful.. and most definitely memorable. Toni Russell (Motormouth Maybelle) has a voice that will give you chicken skin. The moment she opens her mouth… all the hairs on your neck/arms/legs will stand up straight. She is that powerful… that good! Ari Yago (Little Inez)… She is my little firecracker of inspiration. She inspires me. I only hope my children find what they love and SOAR with it like Little Ms. Ari has. She STEALS the show once she sets foot on stage. Renee’ Noveck (Velma Von Tussle) is Amber’s bigot of a mother… and she plays this part so well. Her song “Miss Baltimore Crabs”… is sung/performed with so much passion… you almost forget to hate her because you are enjoying the performance. Braddoc Decaires (Drunk/Principle/Mr Spritzer/Prison Warden) is like a freaking chameleon w/perfect comedic timing. He’s wonderful to watch. Lisa Konove (Gym Teacher/Matron) is just amazing. When she starts to scat in “Big Doll House” you just can’t help but want to jam with her. Jodi Leong (Prudy Pingleton) makes me smile. Love her performance as the overprotective/close-minded mother of Penny. To get the audience to laugh when she yells “Homosexuals” or “Colored People” is beyond me… but she does it with class and humor and she had me laughing! Alison Maldonado, Brandi Firman, and Hannah Bell (The Dynamites)… are AMAZING. Their vocals are simply stunning… like angels. I ♥ them so very much. And this production will not be complete without the council members: Chaz Silva (Brad), Hayley Hughes (Tammy), Symon Rowlands (Fender), Kalia Medeiros (Brenda), Brad Mezurashi (Sketch), Brittany Browning (Shelly), Spencer James Weidie (IQ), Jody Bill (Lou Ann) and the ensemble: Aaron Komo, Ayana Freeman, Daniel Dangaran, Michael Carter, Myles McGee, Olivia Manayan, and Phill Foster (Doug, the Flasher). Each and every single cast member plays their part so well. Their dancing/vocal skills AMAZE me.
I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to meet and get to know each of them over the past 2 months. They are like family now… and I ♥ each and everyone of them to pieces. Please support your local theatre and go see this production of “Hairspray”. The arts are so important…for everyone. Especially the kids. My son (who is 4) loves the show (granted, Daddy is in it)… but is thrilled to go watch it 2 more times. I cannot tell you how many times he has seen this full run and he just does not get tired of it. I catch him singing and dancing to the music daily. This makes my heart smile.
Hairspray has been extended to August 14th. Go get your tickets now. They are selling out fast. Tickets went on sale this morning for the extension and when I called the box office to buy my tickets a hour after opening… the seats I wanted was already sold out. So call NOW so you don’t miss out on this fabulous show.
Diamond Head Theatre
Box Office #808-733-0274
