Hairspray is based upon the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, with a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The original Broadway production was directed by Jack O'Brien and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell.
In Hairspray, it's 1962, the '50s are out and change is in the air. 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 programme, 'The Corny Collins Show' and, overnight, is transformed from outsider to irrepressible teen celebrity. But can a trendsetter in dance and fashion vanquish the programme's reigning princess, win the heart of heartthrob Link Larkin, and integrate a television show without denting her 'do? Only in Hairspray! Welcome to the '60s!
The musical features an original score by Marc Shaiman (who co-wrote the music and lyrics for the acclaimed animated musical, 'South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut') and Scott Wittman. Their songs take Tracy from the soundstage of a '60s-style dance show to the streets of Baltimore to a downtown rhythm and blues record shop.
