Hairspray Movie vs. Hairspray Musical

Attribute	Hairspray Movie	Hairspray Musical
Release Year	2007	2002
Director	Adam Shankman	Jack O'Brien
Lead Actress	Nikki Blonsky	Marissa Jaret Winokur
Lead Actor	John Travolta	Harvey Fierstein
Setting	1960s Baltimore	1960s Baltimore
Music Composer	Various Artists	Mark Shaiman

Plot

In both the Hairspray movie and musical, the story revolves around Tracy Turnblad, a teenager with big dreams of dancing on a popular TV show in 1960s Baltimore. She faces discrimination and prejudice due to her size but ultimately fights for equality and acceptance. The movie stays true to the original Broadway musical, with catchy songs and energetic dance numbers. However, the musical delves deeper into the characters' backgrounds and motivations, providing a more in-depth look at their struggles and triumphs.

Characters

The characters in both versions of Hairspray are vibrant and memorable, each with their own unique personalities and quirks. Tracy Turnblad is a lovable and determined protagonist who stands up for what she believes in. In the movie, she is portrayed by Nikki Blonsky, while in the musical, she is played by different actresses depending on the production. Other key characters, such as Tracy's mother Edna, her best friend Penny, and the show's host Corny Collins, bring humor and heart to the story in both the movie and musical.

Songs

One of the highlights of both the Hairspray movie and musical is the catchy and upbeat songs that drive the story forward. From the opening number "Good Morning Baltimore" to the empowering anthem "You Can't Stop the Beat," the music in both versions is sure to have audiences singing and dancing along. While the movie features a soundtrack with popular artists like Queen Latifah and John Travolta, the musical showcases live performances with talented singers and dancers who bring the songs to life on stage.

Costumes and Set Design

Both the Hairspray movie and musical capture the colorful and retro aesthetic of the 1960s with their costumes and set design. The movie features vibrant costumes and elaborate sets that transport viewers back in time to Baltimore in the '60s. In contrast, the musical relies on clever staging and props to create a dynamic and visually appealing environment on stage. While the movie has the advantage of being able to use film techniques to enhance the visuals, the musical makes up for it with creative choreography and set changes.

Choreography

The dance numbers in both the Hairspray movie and musical are energetic and entertaining, showcasing the talents of the cast members. In the movie, choreographer Adam Shankman creates lively and engaging dance sequences that complement the music and storytelling. On the other hand, the musical features choreography by Jerry Mitchell, who brings a Broadway flair to the dance numbers with intricate routines and synchronized movements. Both versions of Hairspray incorporate a mix of styles, from classic '60s dances to modern twists, keeping audiences engaged and entertained throughout.

Reception

Both the Hairspray movie and musical have been well-received by audiences and critics alike, earning praise for their performances, music, and message of acceptance. The movie, released in 2007, was a box office success and garnered several award nominations, including a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. Similarly, the musical has been a hit on Broadway and in theaters around the world, winning multiple Tony Awards and earning a dedicated fan base. While both versions have their own strengths and weaknesses, they both succeed in bringing the story of Hairspray to life in a fun and engaging way.