About the work
Hairspray is a musical by Marc Shaiman (music) with lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman and a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, premiered on Broadway in 2002. Based on John Waters's 1988 cult film, it won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Plot
In early-1960s Baltimore, the plump teenager Tracy Turnblad dreams of dancing on a local television show. Against all resistance she wins her place and becomes a star—using her new fame to campaign for the racial integration of the programme. With charm, courage, and the support of her mother Edna (traditionally played by a man), Tracy fights prejudice about both body and skin colour, and triumphs.
Cultural significance
Hairspray combines exuberant sixties pop energy with a serious message about civil rights and body acceptance, becoming one of the most successful musicals of the 2000s. The role of Edna Turnblad, in the drag tradition, made stars of Harvey Fierstein and John Travolta (in the 2007 film), among others. Songs such as You Can't Stop the Beat became anthems of irrepressible joy and tolerance.