Social media and MTV celebrity tears up the stage of Vancouver’s Vogue Theatre with his sizzling stage production.
YouTube sensation and triple threat performer Todrick Hall is taking North America by storm with the tour of his latest work, Straight Outta Oz. The two-act song and dance spectacle, which premiered in Vancouver at the Vogue Theatre last night, is a stage version of his YouTube album of the same name, which at the time of this article that has generated over 1.2 million since its June 23 release.
Hall, who currently has over 2.2 million YouTube subscribers and 642,000 Instagram followers is known for his soaring vocal ability and sick dance moves – which isn’t surprising given his background. Recognized as a gifted performer at a young age, Hall has been singing and dancing for most of his life. He trained in ballet from the age of nine and would eventually excel in the professional musical theatre world, performing in productions of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Color Purple, Memphis!, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Walt Disney World, Royal Caribbean and Holland America Cruise Lines. He was also an American Idol finalist.
Todrick Hall (second from left) and his cast of triple threat performers light up the stage in 'Straight Outta Oz'.
But it wasn’t until recently that Hall finally stepped into the spotlight on his own, thanks to his self-titled MTV show and YouTube channel. His recent hour-long YouTube album, Straight Outta Oz, tells his compelling story of growing up in Texas, his relationship with his family, the ups and downs of the entertainment industry and the life lessons he has learned. Now, all this action can be seen live in his current stage tour, and last night’s opening performance was nothing short of fierce.
Supported by a cast of 17 ridiculously talented triple threat performers, including boyfriend Jesse Pattison, and Broadway diva Teresa Stanley, who plays the role of Hall’s mom in the show, Straight Outta Oz on tour is a stunning theatrical experience that blasts you out of your seat with its electricity, intensity and emotion.
Inspired by Hall’s favourite story, The Wizard of Oz, Straight Outta Oz also offers shades of Wicked and Pussycat Dolls, and pays tribute to Disney and Beyoncé. The show takes us from Hall’s humble Texas beginnings, to his first romantic experience with another boy, to his arrival in the LA, to where he is today – and everything in between.
'Straight Outta Oz' includes a tribute to Beyonce that's so on point, the Queen Bee herself would approve.
Standout moments include Hall’s emotional ballad Over the Rainbow; his sweet romantic duet with Jay Bordonada, Color; the sassy group number Expensive; Stanley’s moving solo, Lions and Tigers and Bears; the Pussycat Dolls-inspired Papi; and the diva anthem Wrong Bitch.
One of the most powerful moments of the evening was the song Water Guns, which speaks out against gun violence. Right before the song, a black man was depicted being shot onstage by a white law enforcement officer, and a dark hush resonated over the audience. The song’s message could not be timelier or more impactful given recent events.
Despite the fierce choreography and all the sass, attitude and sexiness of the show, there’s a lot of real substance in Straight Outta Oz. This isn’t just a narrative of Hall’s life. The show is a commentary on social prejudices and stigmas, inequality and how dreams can be crushed. Yet, the show’s message is inspirational and Hall urges his audiences to overcome whatever obstacles they face and to stand up for what’s right. At the end of the show, Hall leaves one final message – “For all my haters, this one’s for you.”
Todrick Hall's Straight Outta Oz has moved on to its next stop in Tacoma, WA. From now until August 12, the tour will play 30 cities across North America. Visit TodrickHall.com for ticket information.