Watching the production of “Hairspray” on Thursday, April 7 proved to be one of the best productions I have attended at Lakeland College. Everything from costuming, stage lighting and choreography included its own measure of superb.

Assumedly, the play’s intent was to not only invoke laughter, but to leave the audience with energetic pizazz from the upbeat songs the cast so eloquently performed.

In addition, each actor embodied their character’s personality exceptionally well. Aided by the neon pink dresses worn by the backup dancers and the Corny Collins Show in the song “Welcome to the Sixties,” all elements of the stage and wardrobe were a nice touch in imaging this time period.

Leaving the bra straps hanging on the sides of Tracy Turnblad’s mother’s arms, Edna, played by David Neese, added to the believability of his character. Questioning if this costuming was purposeful, it is hard to say. Still, it was a convincing detail that enhanced his feminism onstage.

The scene choreographed to the song including the lyrics “Big girl now,” displayed outstanding nonverbal interaction: As three sets of mothers and their daughters faced each other, they each took turns responding in unison to the song’s lyrics with dramatic hand and body gestures.

Synchronizing these actions, each daughter took turns boping, gesturing and grinning to their mothers as a way to proclaim their new adult status.

The power struggle between a parent and their child was thus delivered phenomenally in these exaggerated nonverbal exchanges.

Provoking the most laughter was the moment Prudy, played by Marissa Kohlbeck, senior and double major in exercise science and sports studies, came scolding for Penny from the dimly lit back row of the audience. Trailing giggles were still heard from those sitting in front and in back of me long after the scene transitioned.

This scene was a nice touch that heightened the storylines effort to expose racial discrimination.

Truly, this musical accomplished a humorous and professional performance by casting students in roles that portrayed the personalities needed to put on such a successful performance.