Opened: August 15, 2002

Book by: Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan

Music by: Marc Shaiman

Lyrics by: Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman

Original Broadway Cast: Harvey Fierstein, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Laura Bell Bundy, Mary Bond Davis, Kerry Butler, Linda Hart, Dick Latessa, Matthew Morrison, Corey Reynolds, Clarke Thorell, Danelle Eugenia Wilson, Eric Anthony, Shoshana Bean, Eric Dysart, Adam Fleming, Jennifer Gambatese, Danielle Lee Greaves, John Hill, Jackie Hoffman, Hollie Howard, Katharine Leonard, Kamilah Martin, Rashad Naylor, Judine Rich, Peter Matthew Smith, Todd Michel Smith, Shayna Steele & Joel Vig

Since it graced the stage for the first time, Hairspray has become of the best shows on Broadway.

When a spot for a dancer opens on The Corny Collins Show, Tracy Turnblad (Marissa Jaret Winokur) tries out for the spot. She’s different from everyone else on the show, but becomes a sensation upon her debut. In school, she befriends black people and fights for equality in 1960s Baltimore.

While full of upbeat and positive music, this musical hits on several import topics including body image, racism and love. The characters learn throughout the show to be comfortable with whom they are – none better than Tracy’s mom Edna (played in drag by Harvey Fierstein).

With a score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, some of thebest musical theater songs were created.

Final say: You won’t want to stop the beat. ★★★★★