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Hairspray is a musical adapted from a John Waters film from 1988. The setting is the early 1960s, 1962 to be exact, in Baltimore. The main character, sweet and plump Tracy Turnblad, is a high schooler who is ready to embrace change and accept herself and her friends for who they are, inside and out.

Hairspray is amazingly fun in an almost corny way. The plot begins as Tracy Turnblad decides to try out for “The Corny Collins Show,” a T.V. dance program. At first she is turned away due to her weight, but she eventually wins her way on stage after meeting Corny Collins himself, and she quickly works her way into the hearts of her fellow teens. Throughout the story, Tracy discovers that the show is still segregated, only allowing black dancers on specified nights. She makes it her goal to integrate the show. In the end, back and white, skinny and chubby dance side by side in a show-stopping number.

There is romance in the show as well. Tracy wins the heart of teen heartthrob and fellow dancer Link Larkin. Tracy’s best friend also has a love interest in the show, black dancer Seaweed J. Stubbs, who teaches Tracy dance moves that eventually land her a spot on the Corny Collins Show.

The simple storyline and small romantic plot is not what makes Hairspray incredibly popular. This musical comedy features bright, bold colors that are indicative of the 60s. The characters’ clothing and hairdos are “larger than life,” adding to the fun-loving feel of the set. The book was written by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, but it is the score, with lyrics by Scott Whittman and music by Marc Shaiman, that really steals the show.

Music is plentiful in Hairspray, as the production has 20 unique songs. The score features 1960s style dance music combined with the beat of the rhythm and blues scene. Audiences cannot help tap their feet and hum a few bars as they leave the theater. Some are even seen dancing their way back to their cars when the show is over. The music makes the production a success more so than anything else.

There is one twist to Hairspray that often surprises first-time viewers. Edna, the role of Tracy’s mother, is always played by a man. Edna is a plus-sized, kindhearted mother who tries to protect Tracy from teasing she feels is inevitable due to her daughter’s weight. She also undergoes a transformation during the show, leaving her apartment and entering “The 60s” for the first time as she works to protect her newly popular daughter by acting as her agent.

All in all, Hairspray takes a lighthearted look at a fun, yet changing time in American history. You cannot help but love the characters for their quirkiness, and the story has a very satisfying conclusion. Combine that with an award-winning score and you have the perfect recipe for a night of great comedic musical theater. If you can get tickets to Hairspray, you will be thoroughly entertained!

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