'Hairspray' a high-energy blast

I'm not sure if Kingsbury Hall sits right on top of the Wasatch fault, but the blasts of energy from "Hairspray" could come precariously close to triggering an earthquake — if the roof doesn't blow off the top of the hall first.

Packed with energy as high as a '60s bouffant hairdo and tinged with a spritz of that era's naughty sensuality, this stage version of John Walters' 1988 cult film is filled with infectious, dancing-in-the-aisles music and one show-stopping number after another.

The talent on stage is first-rate — especially Keala Settle (who has Utah ties) as short but stubborn Tracy Turnblad, J.P. Dougherty as her larger-than-life mother, Edna; Aaron Tveit as Link Larkin, the Presley-esque star of Baltimore's "Corny Collins Show"; Jim J. Bullock as Tracy's novelty-inventor dad, Wilbur; and Charlotte Crossley — a former Bette Midler Harlette — as Motormouth Maybelle, the queen of the town's black neighborhood.

Other standouts are Alan Mingo Jr. as Seaweed, a black teen who befriends Tracy when they're both in detention; Caissie Levy as Penny, Tracy's best friend; Tara Macri as Amber Von Tussle, the reigning TV show queen; Susan Henley as Velma, Amber's mother (and the overbearing producer of the "Corny Collins Show"); and Paul McQuillan as host Corny Collins.

"Hairspray" delivers plenty of terrific music, along with a strong message about sticking to your guns and not giving up. Tracy is a short, stocky teenager with big, big dreams.

William Ivey Long's wild costuming, Paul Huntley's sky-high wigs and David Rockwell's scenery come close to replicating the current Broadway production. And musical director-conductor Jim Vukovich is just as energetic in the orchestra pit as the onstage ensemble, which dances its way through Jerry Mitchell's incredible choreography.

E-mail: ivan@desnews.com