Hairspray the Musical vs. West Side Story

Attribute	Hairspray the Musical	West Side Story
Composer	Mark Shaiman	Leonard Bernstein
Lyricist	Scott Wittman	Stephen Sondheim
Setting	1960s Baltimore	1950s New York City
Plot	Integration and acceptance in the 1960s	Rivalry between two gangs in NYC
Main Characters	Tracy Turnblad, Edna Turnblad, Link Larkin	Tony, Maria, Riff, Bernardo

Plot

Hairspray the Musical is a feel-good story set in 1960s Baltimore, following the journey of Tracy Turnblad as she dreams of dancing on The Corny Collins Show and fighting for integration. The musical tackles themes of racism, body image, and acceptance. On the other hand, West Side Story is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, set in 1950s New York City. The story revolves around the rivalry between two gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, and the forbidden love between Tony and Maria.

Music

Hairspray the Musical features catchy, upbeat songs that reflect the spirit of the 1960s, such as "Good Morning Baltimore" and "You Can't Stop the Beat." The music is a mix of rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and soul. In contrast, West Side Story's music, composed by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, is more classical and operatic. The iconic songs like "Maria" and "Tonight" are powerful and emotional, adding depth to the story.

Choreography

The choreography in Hairspray the Musical is energetic and fun, with lively dance numbers that showcase the talents of the cast. The dances are a mix of 1960s-inspired moves and modern flair. On the other hand, West Side Story's choreography, created by Jerome Robbins, is groundbreaking and intense. The dance sequences, such as the iconic rumble scene and the balletic "Dance at the Gym," are integral to the storytelling.

Characters

Hairspray the Musical features a diverse cast of characters, from the bold and confident Tracy Turnblad to the quirky and lovable Edna Turnblad. Each character brings something unique to the story, whether it's Tracy's determination or Seaweed's smooth moves. In contrast, West Side Story's characters are more tragic and complex, with Tony and Maria caught in a love story doomed by their circumstances. The Jets and Sharks also have distinct personalities that drive the conflict.

Themes

Both Hairspray the Musical and West Side Story explore themes of love, prejudice, and social change. Hairspray tackles issues of racism and body image, promoting acceptance and equality. West Side Story delves into the consequences of hatred and violence, highlighting the destructive nature of prejudice and discrimination. Despite their differences in setting and tone, both musicals ultimately deliver messages of hope and unity.

Legacy

Hairspray the Musical has become a beloved classic since its Broadway debut in 2002, inspiring a film adaptation and multiple revivals. The show's message of inclusivity and empowerment continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. On the other hand, West Side Story has stood the test of time since its premiere in 1957, with its powerful storytelling and iconic music still captivating audiences today. The musical has been revived on Broadway and adapted into a successful film.