You Can't Stop the Beat at Manes Studio Theatre

Manes Studio Theatre of Long Island's phenomenal production of the eight-time Tony Award-winning musical "Hairspray" is a must-see for the whole family. With music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, and a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, this 2002 Broadway musical was based on John Waters's cult classic 1988 film "Hairspray."

Underneath the glossy surface shimmering with catchy show tunes, spirited dance numbers, and hilariously funny, relatable characters, this musical romantic comedy is seething with timely messages about self-acceptance, the importance of kindness, racial equality, and finding the courage to stand up for the inalienable rights of others. Additionally, "Hairspray" challenges the limiting and self-sabotaging societal standards of beauty.

Set in Baltimore during the early 1960s, this two-act musical revolves around Tracy Turnblad, a determined and optimistic teenager. After winning a coveted spot on the Corny Collins Show, Tracy becomes a staunch advocate for racial integration.

Under the astute direction of Rick Grossman, the entire cast brought their A-game to "Hairspray." In the program's Director's Note, Grossman reveals his thoughts as to why this musical is still relevant today, "… One determined and courageous young girl can make a difference and bring about change. In 2025, this world could use more Tracy Turnblads who will move us forward to better times…"

Emily Schiller delivered a powerhouse performance as Tracy Turnblad, the plus-size teen with big dreams, a big heart, and big hair to match. Schiller held the audience spellbound throughout, and her heartfelt rendition of the pop-rock anthem "I Can Hear the Bells" was a memorable onstage moment.

Heidi Jaye rocked the role of Penny Pingleton, Tracy's dorky best friend. Jaye is a natural-born physical comedian, with an athletically elastic body that allows her to goofily sling, slither, and somersault her way around the stage.

David Adejare delivered an award-worthy performance as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Tracy's talented classmate who teaches her to dance, and later gets romantically involved with Penny. Adejare revealed his stellar vocals with "Run and Tell That," an R&B song that celebrates diversity and proudly proclaims the beauty of being Black. Casey Rivette delighted the audience with her superb portrayal of Lil'Inez Stubbs, Seaweed's feisty younger sister.

Sam Abney lit up the stage as the bold and sassy Motormouth Maybelle, Seaweed and Lil'Inez's loving mother and the guest DJ on the Corny Collins Negro Day Show. "I Know Where I've Been" is a moving gospel-style soul song that emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the fight for equality, and Abney delivered this heartrending tune with passion and conviction, so much so that I could barely hold back tears.

The role of Tracy's mom, Edna Turnblad, is always played by a man in drag, including Divine in the original 1988 film, Harvey Fierstein on Broadway in 2002, and John Travolta in the 2007 musical film adaptation. In this production, Chris Crosby captivated the audience with his spot-on depiction of the hardworking, boisterous housewife from Baltimore. Stephen Grossman was likable as Tracy's father, a kind man who owns a joke shop. The comedic onstage chemistry between Grossman and Crosby was one of the show's highlights, and they delivered a hilarious rendition of "Timeless to Me."

Nicholas Aaron possessed the necessary bravado to pull off the role of Link Larkin, the teenage heartthrob on the Corny Collins Show, and Tracy's love interest. One of the high points of the show was his riveting rendition of the romantic tune, "It Takes Two," which he croons to a lovestruck Tracy.

All decked out in sequin blazers, Daniel Bishop gave a sensational performance as Corny Collins, the charismatic TV show host. Bishop showcased his many talents through his outstanding performances in the big production numbers "The Nicest Kids in Town" and "Hairspray."

Velma and Amber Von Tussle, the antagonistic mother-daughter duo, were brilliantly portrayed by Jennifer Barry and Amanda Melmed. Barry was most convincing as the over-the-top stage mom and villainous producer of the Corny Collins Show. Barry got to strut her stuff and show off her polished-to-perfection vocals during "(The Legend of) Miss Baltimore Crabs." Melmed's facial expressions and body language brought the character of Amber, a spoiled, shallow, snobby, and mean-spirited teenager and Tracy's nemesis, to life. Melmed is a talented singer, and the audience loved her rendition of "Cooties"

All the supporting performances were equally impressive, and a big shoutout goes to Crismary Galvez, Martina King, and Kheyla Perez as the dynamic Dynamites, Patrice Richardson as the Female Authority Figure, and Joe Cavagnet as the Male Authority Figure. Rounding out the stellar cast were Shiloh Vaughn Bowen as Gilbert, Isabella Cameron as Lou Ann, Ryan Katon Donegal as Duane, Julia Durfee as Brenda, Connor Flynn as Brad, Gianna Nicoletta as Tammy, Noah Pincus as Fender, Paul Schiller as Sketch, Mackenzie Waite as Shelley, and Thomas Wilmer as I.Q.

Amaya Hall's authentic 1960s costume designs, Lindsay DeFranco's fabulous wig designs, the high-voltage choreography by Brendan Bitler, the precision-perfect musical direction by Sandra A. Vigliotti, Daniel Bishop and Rick Grossman's colorful set design, the expert lighting design by John Vaiano, and finally the top-notch sound design by Michael Weiser, added greatly to the overall success of the show.

The audience at Saturday's sold-out opening night show cheered and jumped to their feet to give the cast a long, rousing standing ovation. "Hairspray" runs through July 20, 2025, so drop everything and get your tickets now, before this summer spectacular sells out! To purchase tickets, click on the link: https://studiotheatrelongisland.thundertix.com/events/240284, call 631-226-8400, or visit Studio Theatre of L.I. Inc., 141 S. Wellwood Avenue, Lindenhurst, NY 11757.

Cindi Sansone-Braff is an award-winning playwright. She holds a BFA in Theatre from the University of Connecticut and is a member of the Dramatists Guild. She is the author of "Grant Me a Higher Love," "Why Good People Can't Leave Bad Relationships," and "Confessions of a Reluctant Long Island Psychic." Her full-length Music Drama, "Beethoven, The Man, The Myth, The Music," is published by Next Stage Press. www.Grantmeahigherlove.com.