I've heard good things about pearl and it may suit you for now. I understand you are under a time crunch. This sort of thing really sucks.
My quesiton to you would be, "What type of photos do you print?" I ask that because some folks tend to settle on one paper fits all solutions while I will print an image on a few smaller sheets of paper to see which paper really fits the image.
My experience indicates that there really isn't a one paper solution. I use Museo Max, HW Satin from Canon, German Etching Paper also from Canon, I also use the watercolor papers and am playing with the new Sugarcane paper from Hahnemuhle.
Each paper makes a subtitle change in the image, sometimes enhancing it or others muting the effect of the picture. You are going to need some time to play once you get this print job done!
As far as paper sizes go, you can always go up one size and then use a steel straight edge and a razor and trim it to size. No problems there and most of use for 24" roll paper a device like the Rotatrim to cut to final size.
Have you downloaded the drivers to match your Operating System? Installed them? Is it working? Can you at least run a calibration on the printer?
USB is probably the quickest connection method but if the 5100 has a network connection utilizing that will definately increase performance.
All in all you have a great machine. Just make sure you download the paper profiles to get you by for the initial printing, later you might want to create your own.
Lots of help available here on this forum. Heck if you were close I'd pop over and show you the ropes. Meanwhile, relax breathe deep and don't let the monster size of the printer intimidate you.
Ooooommmmmmm.... we are one with the printer
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Can't help with the hair though, I have all of mine but it's turning this weird silver color.
