Hairspray (1988)

The VHS Strikes Back

This week's pick is our good friend and supporter, Geek Girl Soup's Susan! And this week it's the 1988 musical comedy, Hairspray! Check out Geek Girl Soup at https://geekgirlsoup.com.

"Hairspray" explored themes of racial integration and body image while celebrating the vibrant subculture of dance and music in 1960s Baltimore. Starring Ricki Lake as Tracy Turnblad, the film's production marked Waters' move towards more mainstream cinema. The casting of Divine, a drag queen icon known for collaborating with Waters, in a non-drag role was a notable departure for both the director and actor. Waters, known for his provocative and unconventional filmmaking style, had to navigate the challenges of balancing his unique voice with the demands of a more commercial musical genre.

The film's production also involved the collaboration of composer Marc Shaiman, who created the infectious and lively score, and choreographer Jerry Mitchell, who brought the energetic dance sequences to life. The film's success lies in its ability to tackle serious social issues with humor and heart, creating an entertaining and memorable musical that resonated with audiences. "Hairspray" became a cult classic and later inspired a successful Broadway musical adaptation and a 2007 film remake, showcasing the enduring appeal of Waters' unique vision and the film's message of acceptance and inclusivity.

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You can watch Predator The Musical here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtu.be/qlicWUDf5MM?si=nWN_zI0UUc0i7KeK⁠⁠⁠⁠

Plot Summary:

Set in 1960s Baltimore, the spirited Tracy Turnblad, played by Ricki Lake, dreams of dancing on the popular Corny Collins Show. Tracy's journey takes an unexpected turn when she becomes an advocate for racial integration on the dance floor, challenging societal norms.

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