Harrisonburg HS

About the show

The 1950s are out, and change is in the air! Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is a musical piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs.

It's 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular "Corny Collins Show." When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network... all without denting her 'do!

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTORS

Is Hairspray appropriate for my young child to see? - This is a great question, and one the Production Staff hopes to address here.

Hairspray is sometimes in the same vein as Shakespeare - sometimes juvenile humor is part of the show - there are innuendos, some characters are ignorant and speak out of ignorance. Hairspray the Musical reflects a time period of the early 60’s where segregation was a part of this world - there are several references to ‘Negro’ day, diminished intellectual abilities as ‘retarded’, and ‘Special Ed’ is seen as a derogatory parking lot for troublemakers. Stereotyping by other characters abounds. Tracy and her Mom, who are larger framed women, deal with body issues, are shamed and, in parts, people make fun of them. Bullying is present in the show. The show never condones these behaviors, but uses them to represent ignorance while working towards the theme of the show - inclusiveness. MTI, the rights holders for the Musical, have given Hairspray a rating of PG. We are attaching an outside link to a message board/discussion group here. We encourage patrons to do their own research in order to make a well-informed decision for them and their families. The Production staff also welcome any questions the public may have.

How to see the show