Connie Danese
SUPER HOLD HAIRSPRAY AT THE BOWL: Despite his new Broadway hit Catch Me If You Can and a trunk load of successful scores representing over 15 years of memorable film music (When Harry Met Sally, South Park, Sister Act), Marc Shaiman is truly eager to sit front and center when his 2003 winner of eight Tony Awards, Hairspray, takes center stage at the Hollywood Bowl. “The thrill of hearing our songs venturing out into the night sky will be amazing. And, at such a legendary venue, it will surely be quite an event for us.” Shaiman is referring to his co-lyricist and partner Scott Wittman.
The men will be returning to their home in Los Angeles after presiding over recording sessions for the cast album of Catch Me. Shaiman has demonstrated a distinct ability to put “comedy” back into American musical comedy – in contrast to many British imports, which can more often be described as Musical Theatre. It’s probably safe to say, after a seven-year Broadway run and productions all over the world, Hairspray is becoming a musical comedy classic. When asked to explain its success Shaiman responds, “Two words: John Waters. His story and characters are timeless. They inspired Scott and I to write a score that seems to make people happy. I know watching people watch Hairspray makes Scott and I very happy.” When asked to describe how he feels about hearing his score at the Bowl, the noted composer, musical director, arranger and conductor is clear. “It doesn’t get better than the Hollywood Bowl. Tracy Turnblad has really made it.”
Marc Shaiman
Shaiman’s work on Broadway, in London and Los Angeles — with film scores earning him five Academy Award nominations – makes him familiar with a huge roster of talented musicians. “There is no question that the best part of scoring films in LA has been getting to know the brilliant talents that make up the Hollywood orchestral community. Being in the same studio with so many kind-hearted virtuosos has always been my favorite part of any project. I cherish those times and those people.”
Hairspray takes a humorous look at racial discrimination and is based on the 1988 John Waters film with a delicious dose of ’60s-inspired music. To add to the momentous occasion, both original Tony- winning stars, Marissa Jaret Winokur and Harvey Fierstein – who is also a Pulitzer- and Tony-winning writer for Torch Song Trilogy and La Cage aux Folles, respectively– are back in the musical hair salon. Jack O’Brien directed the original. This time Jerry Mitchell, who received a Tony nomination for choreographing the Broadway production, will direct and choreograph. To that end, will there be there be any differences in this presentation? Shaiman says, “As of now, I am unaware what surprises Jerry may have up his sleeve but he is endlessly inventive, so I cannot wait to be there and experience it. I’m truly looking forward to seeing it again.”
Hairspray is at the Hollywood Bowl August 5, 6 and 7 with a star-studded cast: Susan Anton, Corbin Bleu, Drew Carey, Diana DeGarmo, Mo Gaffney, Nick Jonas, Darlene Love, Tara Macri, Michael McDonald and John Stamos.
CHIT CHAT: Fans of Pete Seeger will be delighted to hear the San Diego Rep is planning to present A Hammer, A Bell and A Song to Sing: The Music of Pete Seeger at the Lyceum Stage in January 2012. It is written and directed by Todd Salovey….Sean Galuszka, interviewed in this column last month for his first play, Poison Apple, which debuted during the Fringe Festival at the Celebration, continues celebrating because his Apple has “legs”. It returns with a limited engagement to Space 916 in Hollywood through Aug 20…Geoffrey Nauffts’ play Next Fall makes its West Coast debut at the Geffen on Nov 2 with original New York director Sheryl Kaller. It’s the story of a gay couple whose longtime differences on faith and family collide when one is involved in a critical accident…Ron Sossi directs Juan Mayorga’s Way To Heaven, translated by David Johnson. Based on a true story of a fake village created in Theresienstadt concentration camp to fool international inspectors, it opens Oct 1 at the Odyssey.
