Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now!

By Joseph Cervelli

If you have seen all the new shows that have recently come in and in need of something different and may I add quite delightful, I urge you to get to New World Stages to see the very enjoyable "Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now!" 

The musical runs about 80 or so minutes and you will certainly be very entertained especially more so if you are acquainted with the three wonderful female perfomers. The show stars three of the women who were leads in one of the most joyous Broadway musicals in decades "Hairspray." Of course, I am referring to Marissa Jaret Winokur, Laura Bell Bundy and Kerry Butler. The three also wrote and co-directed  "Mama."  Winokur won a well deserved Tony for that role while the other two were nominated for shows they hadappeared in. I don't know the dynamics of what happens when shows close or whether performers stay in touch or not but these three have been friends for 22 years. 

All three wanted to be stars as youngstersand they have certainly achieved their goals. Bundy started out as a beauty pageant child and was Miss Pee Wee Hemisphere which gets some laughs. She did look quite adorable as you can see in the video screen behind the performers. She speaks about her mother not realizing how those young girls were exploited without any knowledge of that. Bundy is certainly the most athletic with her baton twirling and mimicing among others Judy Garland. Her most famous role for which she rightfully was Tony nominated was in "Legally Blond:  The Musical." I don't recall whom she ran against but she gave a dynamo performance in that not great but fun filled musical. Sorry I missed her in "Ruthless"  for which she was nominated for Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk awards. She really sings and dances up a storm in her big number from "Blond." She has not lost her abundance of energy. 

Winokur tells three anecdotes about when she was in "Hairspray" and they were a bit upsetting. One dealing with salary, another with the producers and their demands about her clothing and Liza Minelli's backhanded (not intentional) remark about Winokur's weight. Her voice is as strong if not even stronger than when she appeared in that show. She breaks into "Some People" and a few notes from "Rose's Turn." She does more than an admirable job. Maybe, the next "Gypsy" after the current one on Broadway will be one she will audition for. She calls up an audience member whom I am sure was pre-selected to play the character of Linc from "Hairspray" and this young man did a great job. Not sure if he is an actor but might consider audtioning for some roles. 

Butler played in about 12 shows when their Playbill covers were shown on the video screen. And what a difference between all of them. Her voice while excellent is less of a belter than the other two ladies but that is a good counterbalance. I am grateful she sang the more subdued and lovely "Somewhere That's Green" from "Little Shop of Horrors." She was wonderful in that production and she was superlative in both "Xanadu" (Tony Nod) and the underappreciated "Beetlejuice."

Besides singing and dancing (they must have choreographed, wonderfully may I add, since no choreographer is listed) they speak about their friendships and family. Winokur had the very upsetting news about having cancer at the start of "Hairspray" and thankful is now cancer free. It was very sweet to see photos of their children and spouses. 

Near the end of the show they sing a few bars of "Old Friends" and you really believe they most definitely are. You will walk away feeling like they could be your friends, too.

The show happily is now extended till December 21.

PHOTO: Russ Rowland

Tickets are available at New World Stages 340 West 50th Street