Music by: Marc Shaiman Lyrics By: Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman

Book By: Mark O'Donnell & Thomas Meehan Directed By: Jack O'Brien

Based on the film by John Waters

A review of the musical movie added!

Baltimore's Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one passion--to dance. She wins a spot on the local TV dance program, but can she win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do? Read the complete synopsis. To get an even better picture of what happens in the show, browse through the lyrics.

John Waters has never really made your typical mainstream movies, but 1988's Hairspray is probably the most accessible of all his films. That's because the main message is about embracing what's weird or different about ourselves, to be proud of being fat or black or gay or straight, and to lighten up - about everything. Read a bit more about the movie, or take a look at the history of the musical. Of course, the show was then turned back into a movie, with an amazing cast - read some of my thoughts about the film of the musical.

The only recording available so far is the Broadway cast recording, which is really fun! Take a look at my review of the CD, or listen to a clip from one of my favourite songs.

When I went to New York in May of 2003, I had the time for the lottery wrong, so I missed my chance to get a ticket. But when I went back in August, I made sure I was there in plenty of time, and I was one of the lucky ones picked! I've also seen the show once more, in Toronto. Read more of my thoughts on my experiences

All of my favourite performers so far come from the original cast recording - read a bit more about a few of them. Once you're done looking around here, check out some of the other Hairspray websites that are out there!