Bay Area Limelight

There is a reason why the musical Hairspray is so enduring. Based on the 1988 movie by John Waters, it sparked a revolution. A revolution promoting inclusion, integration, body positivity, and the celebration of differences. In this production, from the band’s first notes, the audience is cheering and clapping to “Good Morning Baltimore” sung by Tracy and company. The dynamic cast always hits its marks under the artful direction of Bill English, stellar musical direction of Dave Dobrusky, and choreography of Phoenyx Rose. It’s 1960s Baltimore and Tracy Turnblad, played with sparkling enthusiasm by Ella Ruth Francis, dreams of dancing on The Corny Collins Show. Corny, played by Jeffrey Brian Adams is reminiscent of Dick Clark and his American Bandstand as he introduces the cast of the show, “the nicest kids in town.” Like American Bandstand, The Corny Collins Show is segregated, although, they do have a “Negro Day.” Chubby Tracy is cheerful and confident and thinks that everyone should ...

Bradbury and Vonnegut Predict the Future at Word for Word After watching Word for Word’s “The Veldt”, Ray Bradbury’s 1950 science fiction horror story, you might want to think again about purchasing that Roomba vacuum.  George and Lydia Hadley have purchased a fully automated Happylife Home. But Lydia (multi-talented Nicole Odell) is starting to feel alienated from the children by the house that looks after their every need. The kitchen serves up meals for four, the nursery is a source of constant, glowing, entertainment. Scenic Designer, Kate Boyd creates shining orange compartments around the rooms that operate with pushbutton ease, perfectly depicting the sterile, yet enticing panels and sliding doors of the house. As the children, Wendy (vivacious Hanah Mae Sturges) and Peter (energetic Christian Jimenez), gain more and more control over the nursery, their parents become alarmed and attempt to lay down the law. Father George (versatile Ryan Tasker) limits the time the children ...