One of Broadway’s most popular musicals, ‘Hairspray,’ opened at The Playhouse San Antonio last weekend.  This musical is based on the 1988 John Waters film of the same name and tells the story of Tracy Turnblad whose innocent desire to dance on a television show ends up shaking up her hometown of Baltimore. It runs until Sunday August 6 with show times on Friday and Saturday at 8p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m.  Tickets are available online and prices range from $12 for children to $42 for general adult admission.

‘Hairspray’ begins with “Good Morning Baltimore” where the audience is introduced to the perky Tracy Turnblad whose world revolves around watching The Corny Collins show. While watching the show one afternoon she finds out that there will be auditions to replace one of the ‘council members’ who is taking a leave of absence due to a pregnancy.  She eagerly goes to audition only to be rudely turned away, “Miss Baltimore Crabs.” While there she bumps into teenage heartthrob Link Larkin and that leads to a romantic dream sequence, “I Can Hear the Bells.” She ends up gaining a spot on the show and with the help of friends and family manages to get The Corny Collins Show fully integrated.

The stage version of ‘Hairspray’ is slightly different than the movie, which most people are familiar with, but it is still a joy to experience. With its infectious songs, energetic dancing and vital social commentaries it is easy to see why it so popular with theater audiences as evident by a sold out opening weekend. Show highlights include “Big Blonde and Beautiful,” a song about being proud of how you look despite what people think and “You Can’t Stop the Beat,” when Tracy emerges from the back of the theatre to crash the competition at the end. Danielle King, who plays Motormouth Maybelle, gives a poignant rendition of “I Know Where I’ve Been” that reminds audiences of the serious side of the show. Amid singing and dancing, ‘Hairspray’ tackles such topics as racism, segregation and finding love despite weight and color differences. The colorful staging and vibrant costumes bring this show to life. Top-notch choreography and a talented cast who work well together makes this a must-see show.