Welcome back to the sixties via the early aughts. That’s when the musical Hairspray, based on the John Waters’ film about life in 1962 Baltimore, premiered in Seattle in 2002. Later that year, it would move to Broadway, win several Tony awards, and run for a whopping 7 years at the Neil Simon Theater.
The Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman tuner showcased the talents of Laura Bell Bundy, Kerry Butler, and Marissa Jaret Winokur, who originated the roles of Amber, Penny, and Tracy, respectively. Winokur took home the Tony award.
Years later, this trio has reunited for an evening of absolute fun called Mama I’m a Big Girl Now. In 90 breezy minutes, they discuss their early days of the Hairspray experience, share some insider information about the cast and in one hilarious moment, they perform one of the show’s songs, “I Can Hear the Bells”, employing the help of an audience member who stands in for leading man, Link Larkin (originally played by Matthew Morrison).
Together, the three have had remarkable stage and screen careers and they each have their moments to shine as they perform selections from some of their shows including: Legally Blonde, Xanadu, Little Shop of Horrors, Wicked, Beauty and the Beast, Ruthless!, The Little Mermaid, and others. There is plenty of parody, self-deprecation, and friendly jabs thrown at one another. So often it feels as though we have crashed a slumber party of super close friends, and it’s a total stitch to witness. The show offers some poignant moments as well, including a cancer battle, marriages, divorce, and the challenges of becoming a mother.
Music director Andrew Byrne, along with bass player Skylar Volpe, and Jo Huling on drums, keeps the beats in motion with brisk, tight tempos and fine background vocals from Carla J. Hargrove, Mitchell Gerrard Johnson, and Margot Plum.
Mama I’m a Big Girl Now will appeal especially to long-time lovers of Hairspray but any casual theater fan will appreciate the endearing work that these three hugely talented stars (who also wrote and directed) have put together.
Mama I’m A Big Girl Now has recently been extended and is now playing now through December 21st Off Broadway at New World Stages (340 West 50th Street between Broadway and Eighth) For more information on tickets and performance dates, please visit www.MamaImABigGirlNow.com
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