Reviews and pics from Hairspray! Barn Theatre, 2018
Robert Newman is an imposing presence between both his height and his fat suit. He does a wonderful job of playing the insecure mother who, with the inspiration of her daughter and the support of her husband, grows into the powerful woman ready to take on the world. He finds the right balance of making the role comedic without being disrespectful. He portrays the depth necessary for the role and gives it the right mix of entertainment and meaning.
-Bridgette Redman Encore Michigan
The surprise of this production, however, comes in the person of the actor who plays Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s equally overweight mom. In a wig and overly-sufficient padding, Robert Newman (yes, THAT Robert Newman) obviously is having a great time in plus-size drag, complete with pumps and purse and appropriate avoirdupois! His second act duet “You’re Timeless To Me,” with Charlie King as hubby Wilbur, is a real show-stopper.
-Marcia Fulmir MarciaMarciaMarcia.net
