By ALAN SMASON, WYES-TV Theatre Critic (“Steppin’ Out”)
It’s been said that the third time’s the charm. Previously, two earlier iterations of Hairspray have graced local theaters. Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carré produced the regional premiere in September 2010 and Jefferson Performing Arts followed with their production two years later in 2012. Both of these were extremely good in their own right.

However, with this third production of Hairspray, Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts has made the previous two iterations seem to pale, ever slightly, in comparison. This version of the Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman musical is directed and choreographed by artistic director Kelly Fouchi with Katelin Zelon also on board as the credited choreographer. Thomas Meehan (Annie) and Mark O’Donnell contributed the book for this work based on a hugely successful John Waters film.
What makes this version so very special is that most of the players are relatively new to the theatre scene in New Orleans, some having come up the ranks in recent Rivertown young performer productions. Fouchi, who has been mentoring and teaching young dancers for decades, revels in this endeavor both at Rivertown and at her private studio.

With Hairspray set in a Baltimore high school and on a TV dance show frequented by teens, it is refreshing to see a cast so heavily laden with talented, genuine high schoolers or those of similar age who we have not yet seen in other productions.
In particular, the choreography in this show is off the chain. Characters seem to be constantly moving from one scene to the next.
Leading the troupe of young performers is Carli Collis-Naquin, who knows the role of Tracy Turnblad very well from having played it 13 years ago. Collis -Naquin is comfortable with the part, allowing her to emphasize her own phrasing on many of the lyrics in the songs as well as in the dialogue between characters.
Tracy’s larger than life mother, Edna Turnblad, who takes in the laundry of her neighbors to scrape by, is played by Tara Shay Montgomery. Montgomery is very good in the role that has traditionally been filled by a male. Both Collis-Naquin and Montgomery enjoy great rapport in the number “Welcome to the Sixties.”

Victoria Cantrelle (Penny Pingleton), Amber Lemelle (Little Inez), Brittney J. Crayton (Motormouth Maybelle) and Kelly Amstutz (Prudy Pingleton) also share stage time in that number and Cantrelle also sparkles in her work opposite a very limber Dre’lan Evans as Seawee J. Stubbs.
Crayton manages to steal a scene or two as well, especially in the 11th hour number “I Know Where I’ve Been” with a background video montage depicting the civil rights struggle that was occurring at the same time as the musical is set, 1962. Her heartfelt and emotional delivery stops the show and rightfully so.
Bryce Slocumb plays the role of celebrity Corny Collins, the host of the Baltimore area TV show on which “the nicest kids in town” dance their way onto TV screens and into the hearts of their devotees.
Slocumb plays the role flawlessly and is steeped in charisma as any TV host should be. Any show with Slocumb in one of the leading or featured roles is always enhanced by his presence. Slocumb filled the additional role of assistant director in this production.

Playing teenage heartthrob Link Larkin is Garrin Mesa, who possesses a lovely voice and cuts an impressive figure,. He and Collis-Naquin enjoy several moments on stage, once with his solo “It Takes Two” and later in Act Two’s “Without Love.”
Playing the outwardly racist Velma Von Tussle is veteran performer Ashley Lemmler. No stranger to a Rivertown stage, she famously rendered Dolly Levi in a storm-transferred Hello, Dolly! a few years ago to great acclaim. She excels in her Act One number “Miss Baltimore Crabs.” Sarah Hille plays her daughter Amber and has her own moment to shine in Act Two’s “Cooties.”
Edna’ s husband and Tracy’s over-the-top comical Wilbur Turnblad is played by Tom Vaughn. Vaughn’s performance was a bit more zany than what might be expected. The love song performed by Edna and Wilbur (“Timeless To Me”) suffered as a result of our not being able to see the genuine sparks of adoration generated by the couple towards each other.
By the time the show’s book is resolved with the lively and infectious “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” the entire audience is rocking and swaying to the brilliant music and lyrics by Shaiman and Wittman. The original Broadway musical won eight Tony Awards including those for Best Score, Best Book and Best Direction. Harvey Fierstein, Marisa Janet Winoker and the late Tony Lanessa all won for their roles as Edna, Tracy and Wilbur Turnblad.
Elise Spurliock serves as the musical director of the production, while Michael Brown was the scenic designer. Marc Fochi handled the sound design and video. While many of the costumes were rented, they were still fantastic and coordinated by Judy Beaman. Camille Griffin was in charge of the lighting and did another magnificent job.
Hairspray, The Musical continues at Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts with additional shows added from now through Sunday, September 29. For tickets, click here or call 504-461-9475.