Hairspray

WIG OUT Perry and Tighe trade styling tips.

Photo: Peter Coombs

The 2002 musical based on John Waters’s 1988 film is undeniably infectious, thanks to Shaiman’s ridiculously catchy, sugar-sweet score and the campily uplifting story: Indefatigable big girl Tracy Turnblad integrates a teen dance show in early-’60s Baltimore.

Robin’s production emphasizes and even enhances most of the show’s inherent pleasures, thanks largely to a cast of all-stars. Hollis Resnik as the villainous Velma Von Tussle and E. Faye Butler as “Negro Day” host Motormouth Maybelle fight to steal the show from one another, while Gene Weygandt radiates charm as Tracy’s dad and Bernie Yvon hits all the right notes as surprisingly progressive TV host Corny Collins. Imports Marissa Perry, who closed the Broadway production as Tracy in January, and cutie-patootie Billy Harrigan Tighe as love interest Link and Josh Breckenridge as Seaweed are also fine.

Robin knows his directorial way around Marriott’s in-the-round issues, and a terrific ensemble well executes his bopping choreography. The weak spot is Ross Lehman, in fat-suited drag as mom Edna, a role originated by Divine on film and Harvey Fierstein on stage. Lehman’s take is too naturalistic and far too small for a part that’s meant to be literally larger than life.

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