Interview with Paige Fallu star of ‘Hairspray the Broadway Musical’

Hairspray, the musical, is a force to be reckoned with. Where many musicals focus on old-fashioned themes and classic struggles – from Les Mis to Cats to Chess to Rent – Hairspray always seems to fit in perfectly with the zeitgeist it’s performed amid. Right now, for example, the topics of diversity, inclusion and body positivity are hot, hot, hot, and all of these subjects are featured big-time in this great, big, wonderful production.

Also a force to be reckoned with is the current star of Hairspray the Musical, Perth WAAPA graduate Paige Fallu, who injects equal parts sentiment and hilarity into her lead role as Tracy Turnblad – the girl who craves to perform on Baltimore’s favourite afternoon TV show and gets there fairly effortlessly.

Here Paige chats with Cream about what inspired her to fill Tracy’s shoes, and how inspiring a show like Hairspray can be to audiences far and wide.

Interview by Antonino Tati

Hi Paige. Congratulations on a great performance in ‘Hairspray the Musical’.

It’s been such a dream come true!

Have you seen the original film directed by John Waters?

No, I haven’t seen the original 1988 film [starring Ricki Lake as Tracy Turnblad, the character Paige currently plays] but I was very inspired by the 2007 Hairspray film [starring Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad]. I had done my research, though, and gathered a lot of info about the actors and their characterisations.

Paige Fallu as Tracy Turnblad back to back with co-star Rob Palmer as her mother, Edna.

John Waters (director of the original movie) and his scriptwriters have often overstepped the boundaries of political correctness. Were you worried the musical version of ‘Hairspray’ might be censored in the current PC age?

The musical version of Hairspray definitely takes some of the jokes and the general plot from the 1988 film however there are quite a few differences between the two. I would say the musical is very palatable to all audiences, possibly more so than the original movie. I like that about this show, though, that anyone can watch and feel like there is something they resonate with.

“I’d always sung and performed around the house when I was a kid, and I guess I never grew out of it. Now I’m an adult who is lucky enough to do the same – although my flat-mates might disagree!”

Indeed, what is it about ‘Hairspray’ that speaks to audiences around the world, and of different generations?

I’m not sure but no matter who you are, there’s something for you when you watch this musical. It reaches audiences of all walks of life in many different ways. There are themes brought up within the show that are 100% relatable and relevant to audiences today.

You play the lead role of Tracy Turnblad, a teenager who craves to dance on a popular television show. When you were a kid, did you have any obsession with performance art? I assume so since you ended up studying musical theatre at WAAPA.

I can definitely relate to the drive and passion Tracy has towards wanting to perform. I have always had that dream and goal and, yes, it did start to become closer to a reality when I studied the bachelor of musical theatre at WAAPA. I’d always sung and performed around the house when I was a kid, and I guess I never grew out of it. Now I’m an adult who is lucky enough to do the same – although my flat-mates might disagree! [Laughs].

I assume you’ve been familiar with actor/TV presenter Ricki Lake – the artist who played Tracy in the original film; have you tried to bring as much of Ricki’s ambitious behaviour to your performance as possible?

Yes! I am familiar with Ricki Lake and came across a lot of clips of her performance as Tracy in the original film. I love the ambition and fun she brought to the role, and I definitely wanted to carry through with that in my performance. I also gained inspiration from Nikki Blonsky in her version of Tracy from the 2007 film. I love the positivity and self-love she brought to the role. I studied how these actors have shaped the character of Tracy, and once I formed my own thoughts and opinions on who Tracy is, I was able to bring my own interpretation to life.

And you do a great job of it. There are so many great scenes in this musical. What would be one of your most favourite to perform night after night?

My favourite moment is the fun – but utterly exhausting – final number You Can’t Stop The Beat. It shows unity and heart and is such a joyous way to end the show. It feels like such a great pay-off where all the characters put their differences aside and come together to create something meaningful.

I kind of wished Tracy got to change her costumes more throughout the production. Do you think her wardrobe was somewhat limited and why?

Though it may appear that Tracy doesn’t have a lot of costume changes, surprisingly the time frame that the action takes place in is actually quite short, happening over days. It can also demonstrate her age as she was going to and from school each day.

‘Hairspray’ was a pivotal film in sending out messages of diversity, inclusivity, and body positivity. What is one extra message you think the current musical sends out?

To accept and love one another with open arms.

‘Hairspray the Broadway Musical’ is on at Crown Theatre until Saturday 28 September.

For dates, times and ticket pricing, visit crownperth.com.au.