
What is Hairspray the Musical About? Everything You Need to Know
Wondering what Hairspray the Musical is about? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we’ll delve into the vibrant world of Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger dream. Set against the backdrop of Baltimore, Tracy’s life takes an exciting turn when she lands a spot on the popular Corny Collins Show.
From the catchy tune of “Good Morning Baltimore” to the energetic “You Can’t Stop the Beat”, this musical is a celebration of music, dance, and dreams.
Key Takeaways
- Hairspray the Musical: The story is about Tracy Turnblad, a girl with big dreams of dancing on the popular Corny Collins Show in 1962 Baltimore.
- Characters and Plot: The musical showcases a diverse cast and a plot that revolves around dreams, love, and equality.
- Music and Dance: The musical is known for its catchy tunes and energetic dance numbers that add depth to the characters and drive the narrative forward.
The Plot of Hairspray the Musical
Hairspray the Musical is set in 1962 in the city of Baltimore. The story revolves around Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger dream. Tracy dreams of dancing on the popular Corny Collins Show. Despite her mother, Edna Turnblad, initially discouraging her because of her size, Tracy auditions for the show and, to her surprise, gets selected.
Tracy becomes an overnight sensation and soon starts to use her newfound fame to advocate for racial integration on the show, which is currently segregated. Her dream is to make the Corny Collins Show a place where everyone, regardless of their race or size, can dance together.
However, this doesn’t sit well with the show’s current star, Amber Von Tussle, and her mother, a former beauty queen. They plot to remove Tracy from the show. Amidst all this, Tracy falls in love with Amber’s boyfriend, Link Larkin, further fueling the conflict.
In the end, Tracy, with the help of her friends Penny Pingleton and Seaweed J. Stubbs, and her encouraging father Wilbur Turnblad, manages to integrate the Corny Collins Show. Tracy’s journey is a testament to her determination and belief in equality, making Hairspray the Musical a story of dreams, love, and the fight for equality.
The Characters of Hairspray the Musical
Hairspray the Musical features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique personalities and roles within the story.
Tracy Turnblad: The protagonist of the story, Tracy is a big girl with big hair and an even bigger dream. She’s optimistic, outgoing, and has a strong sense of justice. Her dream is to dance on the Corny Collins Show and use her fame to fight for racial integration.
Edna Turnblad: Tracy’s mother, Edna is initially hesitant about Tracy’s dreams but eventually becomes one of her biggest supporters. She’s loving, protective, and learns to embrace change along with her daughter.
Wilbur Turnblad: Tracy’s father, Wilbur is a supportive and encouraging parent. He believes in Tracy’s dreams from the start and stands by her throughout her journey.
Penny Pingleton: Tracy’s best friend, Penny is shy and a bit naïve, but her friendship with Tracy and her relationship with Seaweed J. Stubbs help her grow and become more confident.
Seaweed J. Stubbs: A talented dancer who befriends Tracy and Penny. Seaweed is charismatic, kind, and shares Tracy’s vision for a more integrated world.
Amber Von Tussle: The antagonist of the story, Amber is the former star of the Corny Collins Show who feels threatened by Tracy’s popularity. She’s competitive, spoiled, and will do anything to remain in the spotlight.
Corny Collins: The host of the show, Corny is a popular figure in Baltimore. He’s charming, smooth, and plays a crucial role in Tracy’s journey to stardom.
These characters, with their distinct personalities and roles, bring the story of Hairspray the Musical to life. They each contribute to the narrative in their own way, making the musical a vibrant and engaging production.
The Songs of Hairspray the Musical and Their Stories
Hairspray the Musical is known for its catchy tunes that perfectly capture the spirit of the 1960s. Each song tells a part of the story and adds depth to the characters.
Here are some of the key songs and the stories they tell:
Good Morning Baltimore: This is the opening number of the musical, sung by Tracy Turnblad. It sets the tone for the entire musical and introduces us to Tracy’s optimistic outlook and her love for her city, Baltimore.
The Nicest Kids in Town: Sung by Corny Collins and the Council Members, this song introduces us to the popular kids on the Corny Collins Show and the world that Tracy aspires to be a part of.
Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now: In this song, Edna, Tracy, Prudy, Penny, Velma, Amber, and the Female Ensemble express their desire for independence and their struggle with their overprotective mothers.
I Can Hear the Bells: Sung by Tracy, this song captures the moment Tracy falls in love with Link Larkin. It’s a sweet and humorous portrayal of teenage infatuation.
Welcome to the 60s: This upbeat number, sung by Tracy, Edna, The Dynamites, Mr. Pinky, and the Ensemble, marks Edna’s transformation and her decision to support Tracy’s dreams.
You Can’t Stop the Beat: The finale of the musical, sung by the entire cast, is a celebration of their victory over racial segregation on the Corny Collins Show. It’s a testament to the unstoppable force of change and the power of music and dance.
Each song in Hairspray the Musical is not just a musical number, but a piece of the story itself. They add depth to the characters, drive the narrative forward, and keep the audience engaged with their catchy tunes and meaningful lyrics.
Final Thoughts
Hairspray the Musical is a vibrant and energetic production that tells an important story. It’s a celebration of music, dance, and the power of change. It’s a testament to the spirit of the times and the power of one girl’s dream. Whether you’re a fan of musical theatre or new to the genre, Hairspray the Musical is a production that is sure to entertain, inspire, and make you think.
So why wait? Book your tickets now and catch the show on its UK tour and enjoy the magic of Hairspray the Musical live on stage!