Hairspray

Musical

Writers: Thomas Meehan Mark O'Donnell Marc Shaiman Scott Wittman

Overview

Show Information

Music
Based on the Play/Book/Film
Hairspray
Category
Musical
Number of Acts
2
Tony Award®
Best Musical 2003
First Produced
2002
Genres
Comedy
Settings
Multiple Settings
Time & Place
baltimore, 1962
Cast Size
medium
Orchestra Size
Large
Dancing
Heavy
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Ensemble Cast, High School, Large Cast, Middle School, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre
Casting Notes
Mostly female cast
Includes early teen, late teen, adult, young adult characters

Synopsis

It’s 1962 in Baltimore, Maryland, and quirky, plus-sized, teenage Tracy Turnblad has one dream: to dance on "The Corny Collins Show". When she gets put in detention with the African-American students in the school, they teach her some of their dance moves, and her new found groove wins her a spot on Corny’s show. Overnight, Tracy transforms from a nobody into a star, and uses her newfound influence to advocate for racial integration on the television show. Tracy faces scrutiny and bullying from the network producer, Velma, and her popular, but vicious, daughter, Amber. With the help of the teenage heartthrob Link, host Corny Collins, and Motormouth Maybelle (the host of "Negro Day" on Corny's show), Tracy overcomes the odds and succeeds in her mission to integrate "The Corny Collins Show". Tony Award-winning Hairspray continues to be one of the most widely produced musicals today, not only because of its wit and charm, but also because of the beautiful message of acceptance and progress that it portrays. The bright, energetic story of Tracy Turnblad teaches us all to look past the color of one’s skin and fight for every human being’s equal rights.

Lead Characters


Hairspray guide sections