NBC got theatre lovers pumped for the performance of Hairspray Live, the show causing lots of talk, on Wednesday evening, but was it worth it? Was the show truly as amazing as they promised?

Acting: 5/5
Theatre is meant for overacting and especially for a well know Broadway show! The cast performed particularly well in the acting department, highlighting the best and most memorable characteristics of characters from Tracy Turnblad to Seaweed Stubbs. Rehearsals certainly payed off, because this is one show that would be very noticeable if the acting was subpar.  

Singing: 5/5
From “Run and Tell That” to “Miss Baltimore Crab”, the cast did not hold back their talent of singing. Even some cast members such as Derek Hough, portraying Corny Collins, surprised the audience with belting out “I’m the Ladies’ Choice!” Hough’s experience in performing arts has been specifically related to dancing as he’s been champion of Dancing with the Stars for years, but his talented voice shocked viewers everywhere. Casting for singers was done flawlessly as no singer disappointed.

Dancing: 5/5
Hairspray, a big show with dance numbers left and right, had extraordinary dancing! With ballroom moves here and there to signature moves from the ’50s, the choreography set the scenes, perfectly reflecting the tone. Even when African Americans and Caucasians are forced to separate while dancing, audience members can’t help but smile when their moves join together, merging into a flawless symphony of movement. After all, the entire musical is about a dance show; it would be a shame if they lacked in the dazzle of this department. Luckily, the cast still sparkled, flaunting gorgeous moves in every scene.

Sets: 4/5
Although the set designs were stunning, the one drawback is that it was set up similarly to a movie lot. There is a reason this is a Broadway show and that is to be performed on a stage. Even though it was performed on NBC‘s filming lot, it lacked the pizazz that stages hold as a show is being performed. The set designs were still beautiful, just more fit for a movie. Designers illustrated Tracy’s high school to the streets of Baltimore with great detail that would have been much more appreciated on a stage.

Microphones/Lighting: 4/5
The tech crew may be professionals, but even professionals can make mistakes. Many times while the show was being performed, some lines were not fully delivered because the microphones did not pick it up. That is the sole reason for the deduction of one point. Other than that, the microphones and lighting were managed greatly, making each scene look like the audience is in the scene with the character.

Cast: 4/5
The casting for Hairspray Live is absolutely phenomenal. Kristin Chenoweth, Ariana Grande, Dove Cameron, and Derek Hough drove most of the audience to tune in Wednesday at 8 P.M. each giving their all for their characters. Casting directors did a great job, although the one character that could have been recasted was, surprisingly, Grande. Although she is a strong performer and has great experience on Broadway and huge stages, the character of Penny Pingleton did not suit her at all. Penny is more quirky and spunky, both qualities that Grande sadly lacked. She still managed to pull through with a decent performance, but the original Penny will always be the best.

Overall, Hairspray Live is worth a watch. It passed with a score of 27/30, still making it an awesome show, because it has an amusing script and was an overall great performance.