Hairspray

By Author: Jamie Hanson
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Hairspray is based on the 1988 movie. The show after a successful release in London was greatly applauded by Americans in the New York City. Hairspray was so highly acclaimed that it was adapted in 2007 for another version of the movie. The characters are the reflections of a specific ethnicity and the songs are nostalgic, reminding the 1960's pop. The forceful story of racial segregation and integration in 1960's Baltimore is put in the musical with compassion, passion, humor, incredible music and impressive similes and metaphors, has attributed success to the show.

The first scene of the first Act opens with Tracy Turnblad in bed pondering about her affection towards hometown, desire for dancing and to be famous. She has a plump figure and study in school. Tracy rushes from the school to see the Corny Collins show, famously known for its teen-age dance shows. Tracy wants to give an audition for the show, which her mother Edna hesitates, but her father Wilbur supports her. During the show she meets Link Larkin, who is a teenage heartthrob. Velma Von Tussel the producer of the audition rejects Tracy for her plump figure. ...
... Tracy had unruly hair, which usually obstruct in the class, and she was reprimanded for that. As the musical proceeds Tracy meets black dancer Seaweed who teaches her some dance steps and these dance steps when displayed in front of Corny Collins, he was impressed and gives Tracy a place in the show. Much to the dismay of penny's mother Tracy accepts Link to sing during the broadcast. The after effect was both positive and negative. The sponsor and wanted
Tracy to be included in the Council and appealed to Velma who was furious and threatened to sack Spitzer and ruin the career of Tracy. On the other hand Tracy's mother was receiving calls from fans and a sponsor from dress shop for endorsements. Edna her mother eventually becomes an agent of Tracy. Tracy gradually showed signs of becoming famous. With some other scene passing by we come, to end of this Act, to see an agitation on the mother-daughter's day where Afro- Americans are not allowed, except for once a month, and when Velma informs police and get everyone arrested.

The second Act starts with revealing the crookedness of Velma who bails out of prison like many others, leaving Tracy behind. Tracy's parents had to spend all the money they had to come out of prison but could not help Tracy. At night In the Confinement with Tracy alone, Link sneaks in and they both reunite. Similarly in another incident, confined by her mother Penny was rescued by Seaweed. Both the couples take refuge in Motormouth Maybelle's Record Shop. There they decide to help integrate the corny Collins show which was still segregated. During the day of Miss Teenage Hairspray competition Corny Collins starts the show. Amber shows her talent to impress the judges but before the announcement Tracy takes the stage and is joine d by Link, Penny, Seaweed, and her parents alongwith Little Inez of Motrmouth. Tracy was declared the winner of the show where she declares the integration of the show.. Sitzner informs Tracy about she being pardoned by the governor ans offers Link a contract for recording. With the acceptance of Penny and Seaweed by Prudy and with Velma and Amber being invited to join the celebration, Tracy and Link share their first kiss of the show.

Tracy's character is full of energy, fun and love for music. She also has a conviction of justice and a rightful desire.

Few songs were either replaced or cut from Hairspray in its Broadway show in Seattle. Even then Hairspray musical went on to receive Tony awards for best musical, best book of musical, best original score (music and lyrics) written for the theater, best leading actor, best leading actress, best featured actor best costume design and best direction. It has also won several Drama Desk awards and Theater World awards.

To see this social segregation and integration show Hairspray tickets visit London Theatre Tickets