Baltimore, big hair, and Broadway. What do these things have in common? Together they create the Tony award-winning musical, “Hairspray.”
“Hairspray” is comedic, bold, irresistible, and ready for new generations of theatregoers. SoCal residents can catch it in person through April 30th at the Segerstrom Center in Costa Mesa.
“Hairspray” is based on the 1988 film by John Waters (also called “Hairspray”) and is set in the 1960s in Baltimore, Maryland. The musical stars Tracy Turnblad, a high school student who has big aspirations and even bigger hair. Turnblad wants to make it big and snag an open dance spot on “The Corny Collins Show.” (Fun fact: “The Corny Collins Show” is based on a teen dance show called “The Buddy Deane Show” which aired from 1957 to 1964.)
After winning eight Tony Awards in 2003, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Costume Design, “Hairspray” has been on tour off and on throughout the years and each show is always a big hit. It features music from the ‘60s that incorporates R&B, and this tour features the renowned choreographer Jerry Mitchell and continues to be directed by Jack O’Brien. The musical features the hits “Welcome to the 60’s,” “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” “Good Morning Baltimore,” and “I Know Where I’ve Been.”
As relevant today as it was in the ‘60s, “Hairspray” depicts the racial inequality that still plagues our great nation, and reminds us of what can be accomplished when we work together towards a common goal. It also addresses other important social issues and all aspects of discrimination, not just racial ones. It reminds us to be empowered, to believe in ourselves, and to keep our individuality.
Want a special treat? Join the LGBT+ Night with “Hairspray” this Sunday at the Outpost Kitchen. The evening starts with a reception at 4:30 at Outpost Kitchen, and then the fun continues at 6:30 for the musical performance at Segerstrom. Tickets for this event start $115 when you use the promo code BIGFUN. If you’re looking for something a bit more intimate, check out the show tonight when it includes a 15-minute talkback (aka Q&A session) with the cast and company members.
After its Costa Mesa dates, “Hairspray” will move up to Los Angeles May 2-21 at the Dolby Theatre, then travel to Atlanta, Omaha, Austin, and Tempe.
