People around Greer have been telling me I needed to go see the Greer Cultural Arts Council's production of Hairspray, so the wife and I ventured out this Friday. Growing up in a small town (Saluda), I've always enjoyed local productions where I know many of the cast. I would attend to support friends/family, and therefore be more than willing to overlook quality shortfalls. With that said, I also greatly appreciate top talent cast in plays at Greenville's Peace Center, Atlanta's Fox Theatre, and of course, NYC's Broadway.

So where does that put GCAC's Hairspray? For me ... it's in the perfect spot. As Lindsay and I sat through the first few numbers, I leaned back and truly began enjoying the moment. Here was a production that featured many people I knew from around Greer (reminding me of when I watched plays back in Saluda) however the quality exceeded (OK ... far exceeded) those productions from my hometown.

The casting was very well done, and pulls from some amazing local talent. We enjoyed the performances of Blythe Snead as Tracey Turnblad, Daniel Sokol as Corny Collins, Jalen DePalma as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Mitchell Smith as Link Larkin, and to be honest I could list the entire cast.

The highlight of the show for me was the breakout performance of Beth Byouk, playing the quirky Penny Pingleton. Beth has participated in numerous plays with the GCAC, however Hairspray was her first speaking role. The role of Penny requires an actor to deliver lines and dance moves in a humorous, innocent manner, which can be difficult for a talented dancer. It's not that easy to intentionally dance bad, when you're actually a good dancer (which Beth is). The crowd was rolling with laughter frequently from Beth's interpretation of Penny. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing her in future rolls with the GCAC.

Also of note and making her theatre debut, the reigning Miss Greater Greer Teen, Sydney Sill, played Council Member Tammy. The role allowed her to show off the dancing talent that helped her win the Teen crown three weeks ago. I'm sure it also makes for good practice for her upcoming participation in Miss SC Teen. Read more about Sydney in an article from last week entitled "Miss Greer Teen theatre debut in 'Hairspray.'"

OK, granted a Peace Center or Broadway production is going to be more "grand," and that has a place, but doesn't make it "perfect." There's something to be said for a local play that is so good the standing ovation at the end comes from a genuine appreciation for the talent displayed, rather than an obligation to people you know. What I saw last night in the J. Harley Bond Center Theater was yet another reason I agree with Verne Smith's frequent quote that "Greer is the center of the universe". It was "perfect" as only a small town can do.

If you haven't seen Hairspray, there are several opportunities remaining. Click here for show times and ticket sales >>

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