“Tomorrow is a brand new day, and it don’t know white from black! ‘Cause the world keeps spinnin’ ’round and ’round, and my heart’s keepin’ time to the speed of sound.” (Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray)
This quote, as said by Motormouth Maybelle (played by Queen Latifa in the 2007 film adaptation ) in Hairspray, depicts the ultimate issues of racial integration, equal rights, and social justice as discussed in this wildly popular musical. Let’s explore the story of Hairspray and the backdrops that can help your production come to life.
What Is the Story of Hairspray?
Hairspray the Musical, a comedy set in 1960s Baltimore, follows the life of an outgoing and plus-sized teen girl, Tracy Turnblad, as she dreams of one day dancing on the local television dance program called the “Corny Collins Show.” The popular program was loosely based on the real-life Buddy Deane Show.
While initially, Tracy is not very smooth on her feet, she eventually lands in school detention where she becomes friendly with several African American girls who teach her some of their groovy moves. This new connection and friendship eventually land Tracy a coveted spot on the Corny Collins dance show where she is transformed from a relative nobody into a social justice crusader fighting for racial integration and equality on the television show.
As she becomes practically a celebrity overnight, she meets a cast of colorful and amazing characters including the teenage heartthrob Link who was the host Corny Collins, and Motormouth Maybelle played by Queen Latifa.
Hairspray received 8 Tony Awards including best musical, book, score, and direction. The stage production successfully ran for more than six years, closing on January 4, 2009, after 2,642 performances.
Backdrops of Hairspray For Your Production
The scenes and songs of Hairspray follow the 1960s-style dance music and “downtown” rhythm and blues of that era and are set in some comfortable places like Tracy’s bedroom, the high school, the T.V. studio of Corny Collins Show and the hangouts of many teens – the streets of their city.
For the high school scenes and classroom scenes, there are several options to choose from including this Classroom Backdrop #2349 which displays a modern classroom interior with a chalkboard, flag, globe, and a projector screen. This would be perfect for the detention scene.
Although the musical is set in Baltimore, this NYC Tenements Backdrop #2366 shows a city during daylight hours overlooking tenements from the roof of a building.
For scenes at the Corny Collins dance show, this Center Stage Backdrop #2407
depicts floor lights, spotlights, and drapery curtains suitable for the set of the television dance program in which Tracy scores a role.
There are over 33 different options for our Hairspray backdrops. Check out all of them on our site under Hairspray show suggestion.