Top 100 Greatest Musicals Poll – Number 10 – Hairspray
Based on the 1988John Waters film of the same name, Hairspray is a musical with music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman and book by Thomas Meehan and Mark O’Donnell. The original production was directed by Jack O’Brien and choreography by Jerry Mitchell. Hairspray is the story of Tracy Turnblad, a plus-size teen who dreams of dancing on a local networks tv teen show. Tracy becomes a celebrity overnight when she wins a role on the Corny Collins show, and using her celebrity seeks to integrate the show. Hairspray exploded onto Broadway on 15 August 2002 starring Harvey Fierstein where it ran for 2,642 performances closing on January 4, 2009. The show was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards winning eight including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score. When the show opened in London with Michael Ball in the role of Edna it received eleven Olivier … Read more
