She Likes to Watch

You know you’re in for a good time when the cast seems to be having as much fun as the audience.
Halfway through last night’s performance of “Hairspray,” a dirty joke sent the actors playing Edna and Wilbur Turnblad into uncontrollable giggles. When one of the audience members busted out a hearty “Haw haw haw,” I nearly doubled over with laughter myself.
The touring production of “Hairspray,” the hit Broadway musical about a girl with big hair and big dreams, came to the Performing Arts Center on Tuesday.
As a fan of the 1987 cult movie, I wondered if the stage version would live up to John Waters’ sweet, slightly twisted comedy.
Fortunately, the musical packs enough kitsch, color and humor — with a few knowing winks at history — to satisfy even the most cynical theatergoer.
Set in 1962 Baltimore, “Hairspray” focuses on dance-crazy teen Tracy Turnblad, who longs to become a television celebrity and win over the local heartthrob. But that’s not enough for Tracy — she also wants to bring black students onto TV’s all-white “Corny Collins Show.”
The score, flavored with Motown, rock and jazz, gives the “Hairspray” cast a chance to belt.
Nearly every major cast member has a show stopper, from mean show mom Von Tussle (Happy McPartlin) to trendsetter Seaweed (Christian White).
Of course, the true stars of “Hairspray” are the larger-than-life ladies.
As Tracy, Brooklyn Pulver pairs a sweet stage demeanor with a big, boisterous voice. Motormouth Maybelle (Yvette Monique Clark) steals the scene with “Big, Blonde and Beautiful.” (Her habit of speaking in rhyme gets annoying, however.)
And Jerry O’Boyle, in drag as Tracy’s housewife mom, brings plenty of oomph to his queen-sized character — making a truly Divine appearance at the end of the musical.
Catch “Hairspray” tonight and Thursday at the Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo.