Spotlight On: Hairspray

After six years, eight Tony Awards and over 2,600 performances, the Broadway musical production of Hairspray closes tomorrow. So what better time to look back on its queer legacy, both on stage and screen:

Hairspray(1988)

Known as: American comedy motion picture.

Known for:
- The original movie, set in 1962 Baltimore, revolves around self-proclaimed "pleasantly plump" teenager Tracy Turnblad as she simultaneously pursues stardom as a dancer on a local TV show and rallies against racial segregation.

Know more:
- Wikipedia page
- Internet Movie Database page

Cast:
Divine as Edna Turnblad / Arvin Hodgepile
Debbie Harry as Velma Von Tussle

Creators/Crew:
Written, directed and produced by John Waters (also cameos as Dr. Fredrickson)

Soundtrack:
Lesley Gore


Jim J. Bullock and Bruce Vilanch
Hairspray(2002)

Known as: American stage musical.

Known for:
- Multiple Tony Award winning stage adaptation of the original movie.

Know more:
- Official site
- Wikipedia page
- Internet Broadway Database page
- Official YouTube channel

Cast:
Lance Bass as Corny Collins (Broadway, replacement)
Jim J. Bullock as Harriman F. Spritzer / Mr. Pinky and Wilbur Turnblad (Broadway, replacements)
Harvey Fierstein as Edna Turnblad (Broadway and Las Vegas, original casts)

John Hill as Fender (Broadway, original cast)
Aubrey O'Day as Amber Von Tussle (Broadway, replacement)
Daniel Robinson as Fender (Broadway, replacement)
Bruce Vilanch as Edna Turnblad (American tour, original cast and Broadway, replacement)
Paul Vogt as Edna Turnblad (Las Vegas and Broadway, replacements)

Creators/Crew:
Directed by Jack O'Brien
Choreographed by Jerry Mitchell
Music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman
Lyrics by Scott Wittman
Book co-written by Mark O'Donnell
Based on the original film written and directed by John Waters (also "cameos" as the recorded voice of a TV announcer)


Hairspray(2007)

Known as: American musical comedy motion picture.

Known for:
- Hit movie adaptation of the stage musical.

Know more:
- Official site
- Wikipedia page
- Internet Movie Database page
- Official Facebook page
- Official MySpace page


Creators/Crew:
Directed, choreographed and executive produced by Adam Shankman (also cameos as a talent agent)
Based on the original film written and directed by John Waters (also cameos as the "flasher who lives next door")
Music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman (also producer and cameos as a talent agent)
Lyrics by Scott Wittman (also producer and cameos as a talent agent)
Produced by Neil Meron and Craig Zadan

And the beat goes on: a sequel to the 2007 movie musical is in the works. For more Movie Dearest coverage of all the various incarnations of Hairspray, click here.

Spotlight On: is an occasional feature here on The QuOD that highlights various pop culture touchstones involving a number of GLBT people of note.