You can't stop ''s' beat | Theater review

Nick Erlandson and Jillian Fry, Special to the Democrat Published 10:00 a.m. ET Feb. 14, 2019

Welcome to the ‘60s.

“Hairspray,” performed by The School of Theatre at Florida State, provides an all-day hold with a professional finish. The musical comedy is bursting with bright pink nostalgia and hook-filled pop music that evokes The Ronettes and Lesley Gore.

Normally the plump, plain, working-class brunette is consigned to be the sidekick —unless John Waters wrote the script (or at least the 1988 cult film the script is based on).

Teen Tracy Turnblad (Avianna Tato) contends with normal adolescent concerns: her appearance, boys, trouble at school. Her respite from daily life is watching a local dance program on TV, “The Corny Collins Show.”

A spot on the show opens, and Tracy leaps at the chance to audition. She's initially turned down by a producer because of her size, but Corny Collins himself sees her dancing at a school function and offers her the spot. Tracy Turnblad (Avianna Tato) shows Link Larkin (Aidan Neal) her new moves in Tracy’s life changes overnight. With the support of her friends and family, she uses her new position in front of “Hairspray.” (Photo: Megan the camera to challenge racial segregation. Best put by Motormouth Maybelle (Azhariyha Vaughan), “You can’t Mowery/FSU School of Theatre) get lazy when things get crazy.”

Tracy’s sparkly fantasy of back-up dancers and creative choreography provide a welcome balance to the still-relevant subject of racial intolerance.

This winsome production exceeds expectations at nearly every level. The orchestra provides a luscious backdrop to the company’s irrepressible vocals. The larger than life visuals, including detailed hair and costumes, feature kitschy nods to mid-century design. Giant set pieces unfold and roll onstage, matching the dynamic movements of the performers.

Bradley Ford Betros gives a heartfelt performance as Tracy's mother, Edna Turnblad, elevated far beyond a simple drag act. Betros has embraced the role, and everyone else in the scene benefits.

Tato, as Tracy, brings an infectious excitement to the show. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and nervous along with her as she ascends from daydreamer to minor celebrity to social reformer. As best friend Penny Pingleton, Lannie Rubio brings an especially nuanced physicality to her role.

This production is joyful, exuberant fun and not to be missed. Seaweed J. Stubbs (Aaron McKenzie) tries to charm Penny Pingleton (Lannie Rubio) in Now, run and tell that. “Hairspray.” (Photo: Megan Mowery/FSU School of Theatre)