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Hairspray The Broadway Musical

There is a reason why the musical Hairspray is so enduring. Based on the 1988 movie by John Waters, it sparked a revolution. A revolution promoting inclusion, integration, body positivity, and the celebration of differences. In this production, from the band’s first notes, the audience is cheering and clapping to “Good Morning Baltimore” sung by Tracy and company.

The dynamic cast always hits its marks under the artful direction of Bill English, stellar musical direction of Dave Dobrusky, and choreography of Phoenyx Rose.

It’s 1960s Baltimore and Tracy Turnblad, played with sparkling enthusiasm by Ella Ruth Francis, dreams of dancing on The Corny Collins Show. Corny, played by Jeffrey Brian Adams is reminiscent of Dick Clark and his American Bandstand as he introduces the cast of the show, “the nicest kids in town.” Like American Bandstand, The Corny Collins Show is segregated, although, they do have a “Negro Day.”

Chubby Tracy is cheerful and confident and thinks that everyone should be able to dance together no matter their size or color. The kids at school sneer at her. Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s mother, played with delightful restraint by Jonathan Chisolm, is also full figured. She is against Tracy auditioning for the show.

But Tracy cannot be stifled as she does her best to win over the producer, severe Velma Von Tussle (excellent Alison Ewing). Tracy also has to contend with Mrs. Von Tussle’s mean Barbie doll of a daughter, Amber, played brilliantly by Mackenzie MacDonald.

Tracy and her friend Penny (Samantha Rich) hurry home from school each day to watch the show on the Turnblad’s black and white tv. After Tracy reveals to Penny that she has a crush on Link (versatile Trevor March), one of the dancers on the show, Tracy sings “I Can Hear the Bells” and we’re dropped into her wedding fantasy.
Jonathan Chisolm, Ella Ruth Francis, Trevor March, and Ken Brill
When Tracy is sent to detention at school, it is a turning point for her. The Black students in the room are practicing dance moves and Tracy has to try them out too. Making friends with Seaweed (talented dancer and singer Jordan Covington) leads her to meeting his mother and quiet activist, Motormouth Maybelle (audacious Jeannine Anderson) at her record shop. Dressed in brilliant colors and an enormous blond wig, she wows the kids when she sings “Big, Blond, and Beautiful”.

Each number is met with cheers and applause to the extent that it feels like part of the show. The audience loves it and it’s rooting for the underdogs.
Kaila Dyson, Jeannine Anderson, Anese Jade, Ella Ruth Francis, Samantha Rich, and Suleika Onia Patton
Act Two finds Tracy and her activist cohorts arrested for causing chaos outside the televised Corny Collins Show. In a spare grid of bars compliments of scenic designer Heather Kenyon, our jailbirds sing “The Big Doll House”. Once the group is released, Motormouth Mabel dazzles the audience with “I know Where I’ve Been”.

Spirits are high as the entire cast return to the stage singing and dancing to “You Can’t Stop the Beat” to clamorous applause.

Have I told too much? No, there’s a lot more. Powerful from beginning to end, this musical is just the ticket if you need a pick-me-up. We are all underdogs in one way or another and there is still a lot of work to do. You’ll love it!

Hairspray The Broadway Musical book by Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan, music by Marc Shaiman, lyric by Scott Whittman & Marc Shaiman, based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, directed by Bill English, musical direction by Dave Dobrusky, choreography by Phoenyx Rose, scenic design by Heather Kenyon, costume design by Bethany Deal, lighting design by Michael Oesch, sound design by James Ard, projection design by Erik Scanlon. At San Francisco Playhouse, 450 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.

Info: https://sfplayhouse.org - September 12, 2026

Cast: Jeffrey Brian Adams, Jeannine Anderson, Sierra Bolar, David Boyll, Ken Brill, Jonathan Chisolm, Jordan Covington, Kaila Dyson, Alison Ewing, Ella Ruth Francis, Anese Jade, Kareem Jenkins, Sanaiya Johnson, Matthew Letton, Mackenzie MacDonald, Trevor March, Suleika Onia Patton, Rebecca Pingree, Samantha Rich, Cai Rodis, Gwen Tessman, and Hunter Yocom.
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