Wheelock Family Theatre Production History Explores HAIRSPRAY!

Did you know 🤔

Hairspray was originally a movie that premiered in 1988! The movie by John Waters became a cult classic, but did not include any musical numbers!

BROADWAY

In 2002, Hairspray was brought to the stage and premiered on Broadway! With music and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, Hairspray took Broadway by storm. The musical opened in Seattle in 2002 and transferred to Broadway in 2003. Hairspray won EIGHT Tony Awards, including the coveted Best Musical. Closing in 2009, Hairspray played six years to adoring crowds and fans!

BACK TO MOVIE!

In 2007, producers decided to bring Hairspray back to its roots on the big screen! The movie starred musical theater favorites like John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer, James Marsden, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley, Brittany Snow and Nikki Blonsky!

HAIRSPRAY AT WHEELOCK FAMILY THEATRE

In 2014, Hairspray came to life on the WFT@BU stage! Audiences and reviewers were enthralled by the production! The Boston Globe stated, “Infectious ensemble turns ‘Hairspray’ into a dance party”! Hairspray starred Jenna Lea Scott* as Tracy, Robert Saoud* as Edna, Gamalia Pharms* as Motormouth Mabel and many more! The creative team was like led by WFT@BU Co-Founder, Susan Kosoff as Director. Joining Kosoff were Laurel Conrad as Choreographer and Matthew Stern as Musical Director, along with an immensely talented team. For a full list of cast and creative team, click here. *Indicates a member of Actors Equity Association

Since then, Hairspray has remained a beloved story for all generations, showing us that one group can make a difference. Hairspray has continued to succeed nationally and locally, with national tours, Hairspray live (starring Ariana Grande!) and much more.

If you enjoy learning about movie musicals like HAIRSPRAY, check out our February Vacation class, From Screen to Stage for Grades 6-8, taught by our very own Tracy, Jenna Lea Scott!