Press and Reviews

Stir Vancouver: Blasts of colour and danceable music as high-energy Hairspray returns

Scarlett Jacques’s phenomenal performance as Tracy’s best friend, Penny, is a true highlight of the show. Incredibly awkward and dorky, Jacques is a master of comedic timing and characterization—and just wait until she unleashes her electrifying voice.

The Gauntlet: You really can’t stop the beat with Broadway Across Canada’s Hairspray

The real standout of the show was Scarlett Jacques as Penny — a splendid mix of awkwardness, singing talent, and impeccable comedic timing. You cannot help but be drawn to her in every scene, regardless of whether she’s the main focus of the scene or a random character in the back. I often found myself looking out for what she was doing, even while another character was taking center stage. 

New Zealand Herald Interview: Kiwi Scarlett Jacques is heading for Broadway stardom

‘Jacques graduated last May and following a self-tape audition and call back, she landed the role of Penny Pingleton, the protagonist Tracy Turnblad’s best friend.

“It is absolutely unbelievable to me that I am part of a legacy of actresses who have played this character that includes Kerry Butler, Amanda Bynes and Ariana Grande.”’

‘Jacques is aiming high over the next 10 years — her biggest dream is to make her debut on Broadway. “Ever since I was little, I have pictured myself on the day I make my Broadway debut, and I think that would be one of the most fulfilling moments in my whole life.”

She says that a movie musical would also be a dream, and to explore film and TV projects, something she says she has missed while focusing on theatre.’

Interview for New Zealand Women’s Weekly Magazine: Kiwi Broadway darling Scarlett’s battle with anorexia

‘“I feel peaceful on stage. When we finish closing number You Can’t Stop The Beat, I can’t help but smile. Even on bad days, I walk off stage and everything’s better. It’s surreal how quickly things can change. This is all I ever wanted.”’

Ottawa Citizen: Hairspray lights up the NAC

“Of the cast, Tracy’s best friend, Penny Pingleton, is played to geeky perfection by Scarlett Jacques”

Ottawa Lite 98.5 FM: Hair Hair for Hairspray!!

“The whole cast just shined in their roles, it was hard for me to pick a favourite…However if I have to pick one favourite and it is hard to, it’d have to be Penny…as I think there is a little Penny in us all from our high school days and this role is played well, awkward comedy is not easy and she pulls it off…her singing and dancing and friendship shine through, bravo to Scarlett Jacques for making this role her own.”

REVIEW: Hairspray at Broadway Dallas

‘Scarlett Jacques so naturally played Pingleton pre- and post-meeting her love interest Seaweed J. Stubbs, that I’m unsure which version of the character would suit her in real life, which is impressive because there is a major difference between the two.’

DailyCal: BroadwaySF’s ‘Hairspray’ brings technicolor explosion to Orpheum Theatre

Playing Tracy’s awkward best friend, Jacques’ performance is a treasure — each glance at her, even when she is not central to the scene, contains comedic gold.

CleveScene: Touring Production of ‘Hairspray’, Now at Playhouse Square is an Absolute Blast’

“Other standouts in the cast include Scarlett Jacques as Penny, Tracy’s shy and lovably dorky pal who blossoms when she meets Tracy’s detention friends.”

Talkin’ Broadway

“…an adorably geeky performance by Scarlett Jacques at Penny Pingleton, Tracy's best friend. Jacques does great blank, uncomprehending stares (Penny is not the brightest bulb on the tree) and pouts her lips outward as she attempts to wrap her mind around whatever action has confused her.”

Tulsa World: Hairspray teases up a whole lot of nostalgia

“Scarlett Jacques was a comic delight as Tracy’s socially awkward friend Penny Pingleton”

Spotlight 814: Big Hair, Big Heart: Hairspray on Tour Energizes Erie Audience

“Scarlett Jacques had the audience roaring with laughter as Tracy’s best friend, Penny Pingleton. Her rigid dance moves, reminiscent of Tina Belcher, and her hysterical delivery, had the audience in stitches’