What Critics Are Saying About NBC's "Hairspray Live!"

What Critics Are Saying About NBC's "Hairspray Live!"

The live performance had some strengths and clear weaknesses
Grace Kennedy
Grace Kennedy Dec 11, 2016
6
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Even though I should be studying for finals, I spent my finals week cuddled up in front of the TV, watching NBC's annual live broadcasted musical: Hairspray Live!. NBC has now made it a December tradition to air a live musical every year. First was The Sounds of Music, then Peter Pan and most recently The Wiz. This year's pick was Hairspray, which was based on the John Water's film in 1988. This musical tells the story of racial divides and social outcasts in 1962, a message that is still relevant today.

The cast included stars such as Ariana Grade, Kristin Chenoweth, Rosie O'Donnell, Derek Hough and Jennifer Hudson. Some of the most memorable performances were from Jennifer Hudson, who played Motormouth Maybelle, bringing some major sass to "Big, Blonde and Beautiful" as well as leaving the audience speechless after "I Know Where I've Been".

In addition, famed dancer Derek Hough really brought his skills to the performance. Not only did he play Corny Collins as a sinigng host but also as a dancer. He rocked his moves in "Ladies' Choice". Also, Ephraim Sykes, a Hamilton veteran, who played Seaweed brought new moves in "Run and Tell That". Also, the costumes designed by Emmy-nominated designer Mary E. Vogt popped on the screen. The vibrant colors and fabrics shone, bringing the world of Hairspray to life.

However, there was plenty to criticize about this year's live musical. For starters, the Washington Post writes how newcomer Maddie Baillio as Tracy Turnbald lacked the confidence to pull off the role. Although she gave an "endearing and earnest performance" she did not meet the standard vocally set by others in the cast. Harvey Fierstein who played Tracy's mother, Edna, returned to the role that he previously played on Broadway. Although he may be more energetic in the theater, he did not match up to John Travolta in the 2007 film version of the musical.

The New York Times reported that Hairspray Live! was NBC's lowest-rated live musical. Although the broadcast had nine million viewers on Wednesday, it was the lowest-rated out of NBC's live musicals. Last year's The Wiz Live! had 11.5 million viewers and The Sound of Music had a record of 18.6 million viewers.

Despite the low viewership, live broadcasted musicals are here to stay. NBC has already announced the airing of Bye Bye Birdie in December 2017 and a live version of A Few Good Men. Hopefully NBC will learn from their mistakes and continue to create musicals that amaze audiences across the country.

Cover Image Credit: Deadline
Grace Kennedy
Grace Kennedy Dec 11, 2016
At Southern Methodist University

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I'm A Woman And You Can't Convince Me Breastfeeding In Public Is OK In 2019

Sorry, not sorry.

Megan Crabb
Megan Crabb Oct 27, 2018
32757
views

Lately, I have seen so many people going off on social media about how people shouldn't be upset with mothers breastfeeding in public. You know what? I disagree.

There's a huge difference between being modest while breastfeeding and just being straight up careless, trashy and disrespectful to those around you. Why don't you try popping out a boob without a baby attached to it and see how long it takes for you to get arrested for public indecency? Strange how that works, right?

So many people talking about it bring up the point of how we shouldn't "sexualize" breastfeeding and seeing a woman's breasts while doing so. Actually, all of these people are missing the point. It's not sexual, it's just purely immodest and disrespectful.

If you see a girl in a shirt cut too low, you call her a slut. If you see a celebrity post a nude photo, you call them immodest and a terrible role model. What makes you think that pulling out a breast in the middle of public is different, regardless of what you're doing with it?

If I'm eating in a restaurant, I would be disgusted if the person at the table next to me had their bare feet out while they were eating. It's just not appropriate. Neither is pulling out your breast for the entire general public to see.

Nobody asked you to put a blanket over your kid's head to feed them. Nobody asked you to go feed them in a dirty bathroom. But you don't need to basically be topless to feed your kid. Growing up, I watched my mom feed my younger siblings in public. She never shied away from it, but the way she did it was always tasteful and never drew attention. She would cover herself up while doing it. She would make sure that nothing inappropriate could be seen. She was lowkey about it.

Mindblowing, right? Wait, you can actually breastfeed in public and not have to show everyone what you're doing? What a revolutionary idea!

There is nothing wrong with feeding your baby. It's something you need to do, it's a part of life. But there is definitely something wrong with thinking it's fine to expose yourself to the entire world while doing it. Nobody wants to see it. Nobody cares if you're feeding your kid. Nobody cares if you're trying to make some sort of weird "feminist" statement by showing them your boobs.

Cover up. Be modest. Be mindful. Be respectful. Don't want to see my boobs? Good, I don't want to see yours either. Hard to believe, I know.

Megan Crabb
Megan Crabb Oct 27, 2018
At University of Missouri

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13 Quotes For All Of Us Empowered Female-Identifying People Out There

For the days when you need to be reminded that you are really doing the dang thing and doing it well.

Nandi Smith
Nandi Smith Feb 18, 2019
72
views

For the days when you need to be reminded that you are really doing the dang thing and doing it well.

1. Do you really need someone else's permission, acceptance, wink, or nod, or are you ready to give these to yourself? -The Universe

I get notes from the Universe everyday and all of them are so amazing and inspiring. There might be a few of them on this list. You can sign up for your own notes from the universe here.

2. The princess saves herself in this one. -Amanda Lovelace

The quote is based off a book called The Princess Saves Herself In This One, which is a collection of poetry about resilience, you can get the book here.

3. I'm made of more than you think. -Snow White, Mirror, Mirror

4. Other people's perception of you ain't none of your business. -Lisa Nichols

CLAPPING HANDS EMOJI.

5. Do you realize how many events and choices that had to occur since the birth of the universe leading to the making of just exactly the way you are? -Mrs. Which, A Wrinkle In Time

I love this because it really hits home how so many right and wrong decisions led to the creation of you and how you should appreciate the good and the bad because without either of them you wouldn't be exactly who you were supposed to be.

6. You can't stop what's done to you. You can only survive it. -Rachel, Georgia Rule 

This brings up an important theme of my life that I'm still trying to figure out. The only thing you can control in your life is how you react to what happens to you.

7. Don't let anyone ever make you feel like you don't deserve what you want. -Patrick Verona, 10 Things I Hate About You

8. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. -Queen Clarisse, The Princess Diaries

9. No trifling of the past, no matter how great, can tarnish the brilliance of eternity. -The Universe

10. People who are insignificant to your future shouldn't have an impact on your present.

Someone once told me this, and although I can't remember the person, this quote has always stuck with me.

11. Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before. -Lady Gaga

You know what... I think she was talking about you.

12. Tell yourself it's easy. Tell yourself often. Make it an affirmation. Eat, sleep, breathe it, and you life shall be transformed. -The Universe

13. Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. -Mark Twain 

Go on then, be empowered and trust your instincts, you've got big things coming... I can tell.

Nandi Smith
Nandi Smith Feb 18, 2019
At North Carolina State University

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