Good Morning, Baltimore! If that phrase makes you start singing, then you might be a Hairspray fan. Not just of the 1988 John Waters movie (although, we love that too, of course), but of the catchy, energetic and delightful Broadway musical with a subversive edge. In my mind, all high school students in the 60s danced and sang and worked to end segregation. It was a simpler time.
Soon, you will get the chance to see it performed live once more when NBC airs Hairspray Live! on Dec. 7. (Bonus for Harvey Fierstein reprising his Tony Award-winning role as Edna Turnblad.) And considering the recent upheaval in our city and across the country when it comes to grappling with questions of race, perhaps we could all use a reminder of the fact that diversity makes life better.
In honor of this auspicious day, let us sing along to a few clips of great Hairspray Original Broadway Cast singing—and dancing!—their hearts out.
