Hairspray the theater musical has been a phenomenal show since its premiere in 1988. Made into a movie and also in book form, the story told in the musical is one of acceptance and integration back in the early 1960s.

The characters have been played by Sonny Bono, Debbie Harry, John Travolta, Queen Latifah and many more talented performers. It teaches about tolerance and standing up for one believes in as a young girl appears on a dance show and fights for the right of her black friends to be on there with her in an integrated show instead of separate.

Hairspray the theater musical is on a national tour and the message is just as good today as we make history with the first African-American president. Not only is the show entertaining and showing us the importance of getting along, it has another lesson as well.

The young girl is overweight and not seen as the “perfect” girl but she lets you know that she has self-esteem and is happy with herself. She can teach so many of our young ladies today that you don't have to be a size 0 to be perfect, that talent and beauty comes from within and when you accept yourself you can go as far as your dreams want to take you.

The musical production of Hairspray takes the humorous road to teaching lessons. The young girl's mother is nearly always played by a man, bringing a touch of comedic talent to life just as we should. While sitting there in the audience laughing at the antics of mother and daughter, you find yourself absorbing the lessons the production is bringing across.

The national tour of Hairspray the theater musical is being done at an important time in this writer's opinion. We need a reminder of tolerance as we battle the wars going on throughout the world. We need a reminder that being poor doesn't mean someone is a bad person as this economy hits people worse than any in decades. We need to remember that there is hope as we give both the new president and his team a chance to help us climb out of this depression and as he tries to improve relations with other countries.

Parents, use the humor side as an excuse to get your teenagers to go see the production with you. Tell them you want to go see a show from your own teen years being re-made and you are claiming some “parent time” points. Know that as they roll their eyes and laugh at the characters they will soon absorb the life lessons of the value of a having good self-esteem and acceptance of others. As individuals we are special. As groups of nations and cultures we can all bring plenty to the table to benefit all.

Hairspray the theater musical is making its way around the country. Make sure when it comes to your area that you take a teenager in your life with you to see it. The benefits for both of you will carry on for a lot longer than the production itself.