Acceptance. In a word, that’s what Hairspray is about. In a society filled with hierarchies and stratifications, Hairspray reminds us that we are all human, that we all have a place and a purpose to fulfill. Hairspray celebrates the unique talents and beauty of individuals, while at the same time nudging us to move beyond a complacent conformity with the latest trend or social ideology.
Perhaps that’s why Hairspray is filled with such distinct characters who challenge conventions and popularity. We have Edna, the large, masculine mother who is afraid to step out of her house; Wilbur, an eccentric joke shop owner who refuses to let society push him or his family down; Penny, a goofy gum-chewer who seems to be at times lost in her own world; Seaweed, a black student who finds his own way to protest the authority that seeks to make him inferior. And, of course, we have Tracy, who desperately tries to fit in despite her size and unpopular pro-integration stance, but ultimately realizes that standing up for what is right is worth the potential cost of her true love, popularity, and freedom.
All these characters are marginalized due to their size, the color of their skin, or their quirky personalities. Yet all of them become the powerful instruments of change. Moreover, each of these characters finds acceptance – acceptance of themselves, and acceptance within society.
It’s easy to think of Hairspray simply as a show about the 1960’s, and in a way, it is. The 60’s – with its smooth dance moves, high hair-dos, and blatant racism – shines through every scene, and this is part of what makes the musical so delightful. But while social trends have changed, and our society has made many great strides past the sordid stain of racism, divisions based on myriad factors such as fashion, perceived intelligence, ethnicity, and size, still exist. Teenagers in particular face pressures to look “right” (whatever “right” is determined to be that day), to fit into the popular cliques, to belong. Bullying is a notable part of Hairspray – both by teens and by authorities such as the Principal and the Gym Teacher – and bullying remains a prevalent problem as people seek power over others, finding ways to put others down, even dehumanize them.
Amidst these divides and challenges, that sense of belonging and worth can be hard to come by. With this musical, we hope to send a message that everyone does belong. We want every individual to have a feeling of purpose and place in our school and community. In that spirit, we have endeavored to make this year’s musical an opportunity to involve the entire school community. We have tried to reach out to all students to be a part of the magic we are placing on the stage, reiterating Hairspray’s message that everyone should have an opportunity to belong and to share his or her talents.
So we are eager for you to relish the high-spirited comedy, the vivacious colors, the energetic dances, the beautiful set, and the robust music of Hairspray. We know that you will appreciate the incredible talents of each individual involved in the cast, crew, and pit orchestra. And we hope that you will also come away from this performance with a sense that every individual has worth and value in our world.
