HAIRSPRAY (2007)

Summary:

Hairspray is a vibrant musical comedy-drama set in 1962 Baltimore, Maryland, following the story of Tracy Turnblad, an optimistic and spirited teenager with a passion for dancing. Despite being told she's too big to dance, Tracy's dreams come true when she lands a spot on "The Corny Collins Show," a popular local TV dance program, instantly becoming a local celebrity.

Her newfound fame, however, quickly draws her into the fight against racial segregation prevalent in the show and the city. Tracy uses her platform to advocate for integration, challenging the prejudiced views of the show's producer, Velma Von Tussle, and inspiring others to join her in a quest for equality and acceptance. The film blends catchy musical numbers with themes of body positivity, racial harmony, and the pursuit of dreams.

Keywords: Hairspray, 2007, Nikki Blonsky, John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, Queen Latifah, Musical, Comedy, Drama, Integration.

Plot:

Tracy Turnblad, a vivacious high school student, dreams of dancing on "The Corny Collins Show." After a failed audition due to her size and an encounter with the show's Black dancers, she learns new moves from Seaweed J. Stubbs. When a spot opens up, Tracy auditions again and, despite the initial disapproval of producer Velma Von Tussle, impresses Corny Collins and becomes a regular dancer. Her sudden popularity threatens Velma's daughter, Amber, and Tracy begins to fall for teen idol Link Larkin.

Tracy soon discovers the show's "Negro Day" is segregated and limited, prompting her to organize a protest march with Seaweed, his mother Motormouth Maybelle, and her friends. The protest leads to her arrest and a city-wide manhunt after she escapes. On the day of the Miss Teenage Hairspray competition, Tracy, with the help of her friends and family, infiltrates the show, ultimately leading a triumphant dance number that forces Corny Collins to integrate the program permanently, exposing Velma's racist tactics and celebrating a victory for civil rights and acceptance.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad
• John Travolta as Edna Turnblad
• Michelle Pfeiffer as Velma Von Tussle
• Christopher Walken as Wilbur Turnblad
• Zac Efron as Link Larkin
• Amanda Bynes as Penny Pingleton
• Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle
• James Marsden as Corny Collins
• Elijah Kelley as Seaweed J. Stubbs

Crew:

• Director: Adam Shankman
• Screenplay: Leslie Dixon
• Producers: Craig Zadan, Neil Meron
• Music (Score): Marc Shaiman
• Music (Songs): Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman
• Based on: The 2002 Broadway musical and the 1988 film by John Waters

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: July 20, 2007 (USA)
• Language: English
• Genre: Musical, Comedy, Drama, Family
• Running Time: 117 minutes
• Accolades: Nominated for 2 Golden Globe Awards (Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actress – Musical or Comedy for Nikki Blonsky); Won Critics' Choice Movie Award for Best Comedy Film.