10 fun facts about Hairspray the movie!

10 fun facts about the musical comedy Hairspray this summer

1. This musical is actually the 3rd incarnation of Hairspray. On Broadway, the Tony Award winning show continues to play to packed houses every night. But for most of us, we were first introduced to Tracy Turnblad and her dancing ways via the campy film directed by John Waters. Amazingly, the devilishly cheeky tone of the original shines brightly in this family orientated musical production.    

2. If you had any reservations about John Travolta playing the role of Edna Turnblad, then you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that he brings a nice dose of maternal sensitivity, and a bit of va va vooom, not seen in previous Edna performances by 80's icon Divine and the Tony Award winning Harvey Fierstein.   

3. Michelle Pfieffer is devilishly evil as Velma Von Tussle, the channel manager who can't keep young rubenesque Tracy Turnblad (played by the energetic Nikki Blonsky) from stealing the spotlight on her popular afternoon dance show. But the true gem is watching Michelle do her solo performance of the hilarious "Miss Baltimore Crabs".

4. The fact that consumate performers John Travolta and Michelle Pfieffer were both convinced to drop their musical retirements after Grease and Grease 2 (respectively) is reason enough to watch Hairspray on the big screen. 

5. Everyone's favorite cult actor Christopher Walken (Wilbur Turnblad) actually studied dance while growing up. When he partners up with his 'wife' Edna doing ballroom and the tango it really is a sight to be seen.

6. If you don't know who Zac Efron is, well, you're probably not 16 and under. This teen hearthrob is the squeal inducing idol of the moment and after watching two hours of him smile, dance and wink, you're probably going to be part of his growing fanbase too.

7. Lead actress (and complete unknown) Nikki Blonsky found out she got the part while working her shift at a Cold Stone Creamery ice-cream parlour. When her day ended, she pulled out the tips of the day (6 dollars) and signed them to each of her co-workers saying "I love you all dearly, but I'm working with John Travolta!!!". She then ceremoniously quit.

8. When Nikki first met John Travolta on the set, he opened his arms and shouted, "come to mama!"

9. Director Adam Shankman left his career as a Broadway choreographer to become a successful film director (The Wedding Planner, The Pacifier, Bringing Down The House). Ironically he ended up returning to his roots by also choreographing the dazzling dance routines in this film. 

10. Less than 10 minutes into the movie, original director John Waters makes a very 'revealing' cameo. The fact that even HE gives Hairspray the stamp of approval, then do you really need any more reason NOT to go? 

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Posted by Stevie on July 18, 2007 11:05:21 PM EDT #