SF Playhouse’s Exuberant Production of “Hairspray” Is a Mega-Hit!

By Darlene Jurow

     “Hairspray,” a Broadway musical directed by Bill English, currentlly playing at the San Francisco Playhouse, is filled with laughter, romance, great songs, and really cool dancing. Having attended the opening performance, I can say with certainty that a good time was had by the entire audience! “Hairspray” will perform through September 12, 2026 at San Francisco Playhouse (450 Post Street).

     The talented cast works beautifully as an ensemble, eliciting cheers, caps and even fist-pumping from the enthusiastic audience. The simple staging, choreography and retro music are upbeat and infectious. Lines from the ‘students’ like “what can we do after detention? Go to Congress!” brought enough laughter to pause the performance. The audience literally rose out of their seats clapping when one of the cast members shouted, “If something is worth having it’s worth fighting for!” Segregation in the sixties and the integration of television programs was hotly contested when this play first was produced, as was the discrimination of all but the “beautiful and wealthy people.” One wonders how far we have really progressed.

Ella Ruth Francis makes her Playhouse debut as Tracy Turnblad, who loves to dance; while Trevor March portrays Link Larkin, the handsome heartthrob of The Corny Collins Show. Other top performers include Jeffrey Brian, the host of a popular dance TV show; Samantha Rich as Penny Pingleton, Tracy’s best friend; Jordan Covington as Tracy’s mother; Ken Brill as Tracy’s father; and Mackenzie Macdonald as Amber Von Tussle, the lead dancer on The Corny Collins Show and Tracy’s nemesis.

     Kudos also go to Dave Dobrusky for his musical direction, choreography by Phoenyx Rose; scenic design by Heather Kenyon, and costume design by Bethany Deal.

     The premise of freedom, joy and happiness for all resounded when the full cast sang “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” bringing the appreciative audience to a raucous standing ovation! SF Playhouse’s “Hairspray” is one rockin’ production you don’t want to miss!

     For tickets or more information regarding SF Playhouse’s “Hairspray” please visit sfplayhouse.org or phone (415) 677-9596.

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Photo caption: Motormouth Maybelle (Jeannine Anderson – center) and Tracy (Ella Ruth Francis – left) gather a group (l to r: Kaila Dyson, Anese Jade, Samantha Rich, and Sanaiya Johnson) to march in protest in San Francisco Playhouse’s “Hairspray,” performing through September 12.