BY DELILA GRUBAUGH
As you may or may not know, WCHS Theatre Department is doing another musical. The Theatre Department is known for their fantastic musicals, and now they’re coming out with their latest one: Hairspray.
Hairspray is a musical based on the 1988 John Waters’ film with lyrics by American lyricists Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, both of which won Tonys and Grammys. All the songs and dances in this musical are written to have a 60’s vibe to them. The genres of the songs are rhythm, blues, and dance-style music.
The musical takes place in Baltimore circa 1962 and focuses on a pudgy naive girl named Tracy Turnblad with a big dream to be on The Corny Collins Show, the local program that features music and dance. When she finds out there’s an open spot for casting, she immediately hops on the opportunity and makes it. She’s now officially a cast member on Corny Collins’ show.
Tracy quickly becomes a teen idol and a well-known name. She even has a developing fanbase and merch. During Tracy’s rise of popularity, she meets a variety of interesting new people such as Seaweed J. Stubbs, Little Inez Stubbs, and Motormouth Maybelle. As Tracy’s friends, they have a huge significance. They all happen to be black, but because Tracy is oblivious to the racism during that time, she sees them as regular people rather than “Negros.” Tracy is racially colorblind, but when she starts to realize the current issue of segregation in society and The Corny Collins Show she decides to advocate for her new friends. She stands up to people and defends them. She tries to strive for equality and inclusion of people of color, bringing about changes in society.
This musical is a blast from the past and focuses well on bullying, jealousy, segregation, and the life of a regular teenage girl with the goal of becoming a star.
Hairspray has won a total of 16 different arts and entertainment awards, and if you’re into racial equality and the accomplishing of dreams, then Hairspray is the musical for you.
