Hairspray is perhaps better known for the film version of the musical, at least in the UK, where the stage version arrived much later, and I have to admit, I had my doubts before I first watched this film, but in actual fact, I really enjoyed it. I had expected somewhat of a chic-flic with very little actual storyline or content to it whatsoever, yet after having seen it, it far exceeded my expectations, perhaps now being one of my favourite film musicals of all time.
At the beginning of the story, we meet Tracy Turnblad, a high school student from Baltimore in the United States, during the 60s, a time of immense social change in America. She is consistently being told off in school for her high hair-do, but has the real dream of starring in the local hit TV programme ‘The Corny Collins Show’, which uses local kids from the area, and features dance and song numbers performed by them. One day the show finishes with an advert to become a member of the group, and she goes to the audition straight away. However, she is treated unfairly for her slightly overweight size, and so is not properly considered. At a party with the cast later that day, she shows off her dance moves to the actual host of the show, Corny Collins himself, and is asked by him to join the cast. Tracy quickly becomes a local star, with her own merchandise and trend-setting status. However, when she starts to try and work against other inequalities, such as the race discrimination that occurred at that time between TV stars, she must use everything she has to fight the TV show’s terrible producer Velma Von Tussle.
The main reason I love this musical is that though it is fun, and a bit of a laugh in its stylisation, it actually has a much deeper message of love and acceptance underneath, and this, paired with its historical background, makes for an incredibly moving and fun performance. The show really does have something for all audiences, from comedy, to songs of uprising from the black communities in the city. The show also features some of the most romantic scenes and numbers, I would say, across musical theatre, such as ‘Timeless to Me’, focusing on the more lasting love of a middle-aged relationship, rather than the romance of a young attractive couple. Because the older characters have been together for so long, while they may not be as young and attractive as they once were, they still love one other regardless, and this makes for an honest, open and sincere piece of musical storytelling.
The film version of the show itself offers a great cast, including Zac Efron, Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah and Christopher Walken, to name just a few, and Nikki Blonski stars for the first time in a film as the main character, giving an extremely loveable performance. John Travolta, also stars as a woman in this film, being made up to look like Tracy’s mother. While some people found this an odd concept to get their head around, for me it really works and he pulls it off well. The original show cast also used a man for the role, so I’m glad they kept the integrity of the piece with this choice.
For me, what really makes this a must-see show or movie is the energy and passion that really brings it to life, and its great historical relevance, which makes it somewhat educational as well. Though its liveliness and retro 60s swing music style may not be for everyone, but I think that beneath it all, this is a story most can relate to. The film and its soundtrack can of course, be purchased from any film or music store, and the show should also be starting a UK tour as of August next year, so keep an eye out for the opportunity to see this great story brought to life on stage!
Image from: http://images.moviepostershop.com/hairspray-movie-poster-2007-1020401767.jpg
0 Comment:
Be the first one to comment on this article.