Hairspray is a Fun Time

John Water's cult classic "Hairspray" was remade with budding young star Nikki Blonsky. A young woman who saw injustice and took it upon herself to change her part of the world. This musical was set in segregated Baltimore in 1962. Tracy Turnblad, an idealistic young high school student whose dream is to be one of the "Council Kids" on "Corny Collins Show," happens to be overweight and not part of the "in" crowd. When an opportunity presents itself to audition for the teen dance show, she's summarily dismissed by Velma Von Tussle (Michelle Pfeiffer) who deems Tracy's appearance and views on integration not compatible with WYZT station's views. Once a month, time is dedicated to the black kids to dance with DJ host Motormouth Maybelle, ably portrayed by Queen Latifah. Tracy befriends a group of black kids who teach her some new dance moves and ultimately help her to land a spot on "Corny Collins Show." Tracy becomes the hit of the show much to Velma's disgust. Velma wants to ensure that her daughter Amber is named "Miss Hairspray," the popularity contest to be held that week, and will impress talent agents from Broadway. Tracy sees how unfair segregation is to her black friends and doesn't understand why Baltimore simply can not integrate. She organizes a protest march calling in WYZT to abandon its segregation policy. Tracy gets in trouble and must hide out until the "Miss Hairspray" contest. With the help of her friends and parents, Tracy sneaks into the station and ultimately helps integrate the show. The good guys win and the handsome leading man kisses the plus-sized heroine. While the musical has wonderful song and dance numbers and many touches of comic relief, especially scenes with Edna Turnblad, magnificently played by John Travolta, you never escape the racial undertone of life in segregated Baltimore. Enjoy "Hairspray" for its highly entertaining talented cast, and appreciate the historical significance of its story.