Hairspray the Musical
Did you see Hairspray the Musical at the Tony Awards 2012?
Welcome to my Hairspray the Musical page - telling you all you need to know about the legendary Broadway show: Hairspray.
What is Hairspray the Musical? Set in Baltimore, 1962, a less enlightened era, 16 year Tracy Turnblad is a big girl, with big hair, a big hair and big dreams...and all she wants to do is dance. What started as a cult John Waters movie in 1988, became a musical in 2002, with the tradition of the piece is that Edna Turnblad, one of the leading female characters, is always played by a man.
On this page you will read my thoughts and opinions on this fantastic stage show. This page focuses on the stage version of HAIRSPRAY, rather than either of the film versions that have been released.
The 2012 Tony Awards broadcast Hairspray live from aboard The Oasis of the Seas (Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship) - Introduced by Original Broadway Cast member, Har
"HEY MAMMA, WELCOME TO
THE 60s"
Hairspray is a Broadway musical (with music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman and a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan), based on the 1988 John Waters movie by the same name. The songs include 1960s-style dance music and "downtown" rhythm and blues. In 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, plump teenager Tracy Turnblad's dream is to dance on The Corny Collins Show, a local TV dance program (based on the real-life Buddy Deane Show). When Tracy wins a role on the show, she becomes a celebrity overnight. She then launches a campaign to racially integrate the show. ''Hairspray'' is a social commentary on the injustices of parts of American society in the 1960s.
Do you want to see Hairspray?
Do You Like What You've Seen So Far?
Hairspray's original Broadway production opened in 2002 and won eight Tony Awards out of thirteen nominations. As of April 2008, it has played for over 2,300 performances. Hairspray has also enjoyed U.S. national tours and numerous foreign productions and was adapted for a 2007 musical film. The London West End production was nominated for a record-setting eleven Laurence Olivier Awards, winning for Best New Musical and in three other categories.
Hairspray Official Cast Recording
Hairspray at the Tony Awards 2003 - Wait a minute...isn't that Matthew Morrison from GLEE?
Hairspray (London) in Rehearsals
Meet Leanne Jones, who plays Tracy Turnblad (London)
Meet Michael Ball, who plays Edna Turnblad (London)
Get Ready For A Sing-a-long...
Here are the words...
Now sing along...
Hairspray at the Royal Variety Show 2007
There came a time in the life of Musical theatre, where it was cool to be sad. the best shows seemed to be the ones that could move you...to the point of depression. Hairspray is the exact opposite. It's fun, bouncy, lively and to top it all off, the music is awesome! If you're feeling a bit low, all you have to do is put the soundtrack on and a smile can't help but creep onto your face. this has to go down in history as one of the great feel good shows. Once you've met Tracy Turnblad, you can't help but be touched by her good humour and sunny outlook on life, and as her dreams start to come true, you can't help but root for the larger than life girl. I can't recommend this show enough.
Who is John Waters?
Did you know...The Broadway version of Hairspray is based upon the John Waters film of the same title. Recently in 2007, a film musical was released, based on the stage musical version. So there has now been 3 generations of Hairspray...they all have slightly different storylines, but all have the same heart...it's all about Tracy Turnblad and her quest to dance.
Interview with John Waters about the different versions of Hairspray
Hairspray clips from the 2007 Movie
It's Debate Time...
Recently, on Broadway, a lot of musicals have been created from pre-existing films, for instance, 'Legally Blonde - the Musical', 'The Producers' and of course 'Hairspray'...but is this the right way to go...
Is it 'OK' for Musicals to be based on films?
I've seen Hairspray the Musical so many times! I just love it. It's one of those shows you go and see, and you can't help but smile! It's full of fun, bright and catchy songs, that will get your toes tapping, and your heart racing.
The story is entertaining, and includes some issues and themes that are relevant to all of us as much today, as they were back in the 1960s when this show is set.
The characters are brilliant - from the brilliant Tracy Turnblad, to the hilarious Edna. Then we have the zany Penny and the gorgeous Corny...this show really has something for everyone.
If you're feeling bleek and blue, then get a ticket to see Hairspray - the bright and beautiful staging, the fantastic songs, the great story and the awesome characters will have you back at that box office trying to get hold of more tickets!
Wait a minute...isn't that Matthew Morrison from GLEE?
Broadway Links
- Flickriver: Most interesting photos tagged with broadwayshows
Flickriver - view images as a 'river of photos' and more...
Parade the MusicalSEE FULL PAGE
Hairspray (Musical)SEE FULL PAGE
Equus (Dan Radcliffe)SEE FULL PAGE
The Lion KingSEE FULL PAGE
Jesus Christ SuperstarSEE FULL PAGE
RENT by Jonathan LarsonSEE FULL PAGE
Les Miserables Movie PostersSEE FULL PAGE
Rent Remixed (London)SEE FULL PAGE
The Edinburgh Festival 2012SEE FULL PAGE
