Hairspray at Orpheum Theatre

There's always something new to relish in Hairspray, thanks to the brilliant story, stellar performances, and, of course, the spellbinding score. Unlike any other big teen in Baltimore, Maryland, Tracy Turnblad only wants one thing in life: to perform on "The Corny Collins Show." While doing detention with her school's black students, she quickly learns some of their dance routines and eventually makes it onto Corny's show. Tracey, who became an overnight sensation, uses her newly found platform to advocate for racial equality.

Like many things in life, things are not always easy, and for Tracey, network producer Velma and her popular but poisonous daughter Amber stand in her way. As the plot thickens, we see that Tracy successfully incorporates "The Corny Collins Show," with the help of teen heartthrob Link, host Corny Collins, and Motormouth Maybelle (who hosts "Negro Day" on Corny's show). The Tony Award–winning musical Hairspray is one of the best loved musicals today not only because of its beauty and humor, but also because of the uplifting message it conveys about embracing one's uniqueness and forging a path ahead. With the understanding of Tracy Turnblad's story, we can look past superficial differences like race and fight for all people's right to basic dignity.