Hairspray - The Broadway Musical at Paramount Theatre

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...This is a Broadway-size spectacle, one filled with clever visual contrasts (continued in Theresa Ham's costumes) between the monochromatic segregated past and the multicolor integrated present — a huge visual sculpture dedicated to the beat you can't stop."

Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended

"...Broadway musicals can be intriguing barometers of where mainstream audiences happened to be at any particular point in history. This was driven home after watching the exuberant Paramount Theatre revival of "Hairspray" (the 2002 Broadway hit inspired by John Waters' 1988 film) just days after seeing a high-spirited revival of the 1960 musical "Bye Bye Birdie" at Drury Lane."

ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended

"...Directed and Choreographed by Amber Mak this fun and flashy show is sure to make you smile. The crafty and colorful costumes by Theresa Ham hits the mark and is delightful to the eye. Corny Collins (Devin DeSantis) is a delightful host with all the right moves and the right attitude! The loving relationship between Mama Edna (Michael Kingston) and loving Dad Wilbur (Michael Ehlers) remind us that love can be everlasting no matter what level of success or the size of your dress. The charming moments between the two in You’re Timeless to Me is as comforting as a hot cocoa on a cold winter’s night."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Directed by Amber Mak who also takes on the choreography, this is a solid production from start to finish. This is her first effort on the Paramount stage and I am sure we will see more of her work in the future, both here and others. She did a splendid job! It sure helps to have a solid cast of performers with great voices, dancing skills that are sheer delight and performance skills that should make Jim Corti and Tim Rater ecstatic. I saw Corti during intermission and his smile was as wide as it could be!"

Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended

"...This polished, highly professional production is yet another feather in the Paramount Theatre’s cap. It’s a real “Welcome to the 60’s” that promotes a timely message about the need for racial harmony while pleading a strong case against bullying. It also offers a positive message about being yourself and owning the talents you possess. The whole evening brims with comedy, optimism and toe-tapping music."